A distributed system is a network of independent computers that work together to achieve a common goal. Each computer, or node, in the system can communicate and coordinate with others, allowing them to share resources and data. This setup enhances reliability and performance, as tasks can be divided among multiple machines. In a distributed system, failures can occur without affecting the entire system's functionality. Examples of distributed systems include cloud computing platforms like Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud, where resources are spread across various locations. This design helps ensure scalability and fault tolerance.