From this unit about Grid terms and concepts, I learned that grid computing involved coordinating multiple distributed computers so they could effectively share and make use of their resources. A grid combines computation, storage, communication bandwidth, and software licenses to form a single system capable of handling very large and complex workloads, i.e., jobs and applications.
I learned that jobs and applications are structured, that they can be split up into parallel subjobs and that a scheduler is responsible for assigning each subjob to the appropriate computer(s) based on their available resources and policies. I also learned about concepts such as scavenging, resource reservations, and resource brokering, which are used to help manage the workloads within grids.
Also, I learned about how important the management, load measuring, authentication, and security are for grids as they move from the fringe of an organisation to crossing the line between multiple organisations. This unit has helped me understand how grids can provide scalability, reliability and efficient use of resources.