'''Centralized computing''' is computing done at a central ___location, using [[Computer terminal|terminals]] that are attached to a central computer. The computer itself may not control all the [[peripheral]]s directly (if they are physically connected to the central computer), or they may onlybe attached via a [[centralterminal computerserver]]. all termaninals must be conected to 5he central computerAlternatively, if the theyterminals have the capability, they may not be able to connect to the central computer over the network. The terminals may be [[text terminal]]s or [[thin client]]s, for example.
It offers greater [[security]] over [[centralDecentralized computing|decentralized systems]] because all of the [[Process (computing)|processing]] is controlled in a central ___location. In addition, if one terminal breaks down, the user can simply go to another terminal and [[log in]] again, and all of their [[computer file|file]]s will still be accessible. Depending on the system, they may even be able to resume their [[session (computer science)|session]] from the point they were at before, as if nothing had happened.
This type of arrangement does have some disadvantages. The central computer performs the computing functions and controls the remote terminals. This type of system relies totally on the central computer. Should the central computer [[crash (computing)|crash]], the entire system will "go down" (i.e. will be unavailable).
