There are different types of computing paradigms

1.       Centralized or monolithic computing:

The computing done using a single computer, which is not part of any network is referred to as monolithic computing.In this type of computing the system makes use of only those resources which are in its access.Since there is only one user who is using a system at a given instance of time therefore the computing is called a single user monolithic computing. For instance, if a user is using Ms-Excel application, then it implies that he/she is performing monolithic computing.However, it is even possible for multiple users to share the same system simultaneously using the concept of time sharing.This technique enables multiple users to share resources of a single computer parallelly  based on predefined criteria.Such form of computing is referred to as multiple user monolithic computing. This sort of computing can be carried by using a mainframe computer that provides centralized resources. Multiple users can establish connections with this computer using a device known as "terminal", so as to enable interaction between the users during terminal session. The application that falls under this category of computing is generating payroll.

2.       Parallel computing:

The computing wherein a single program is executed by multiple processors simultaneously referred to as parallel computing. The major advantage of parallel computing is that the execution of a program is done at very high speed. However, the difficulty of such computing lies in dividing a single program using multiple processors without interfering with one another. This sort of computing is generally performed on a computer that contains more than one process. However, it can also be performed by connecting computers into a network This computing is specially used in areas such as weather forecasting and semiconductor design. Beside this, parallel computing is also used to solve Such problems which cannot be solved by a single computer.

 3.       Distributed Computing:

In the distributed computing model, the processing is done in multiple computers that are  connected in the same networks. Each of these computers have their own processors in addition to other resources.  

  ll the workstation, i.e., nodes have complete access to the resources of the local computer to which it is connected. When there is an interaction between local computers and remote computers, the users will be able to access the resources of remote computers as well. A best example of distributed computing is the World Wide Web'. To visit a website a user makes use of a browser for example Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or Netscape Navigator etc. They will run on the local system of the user. They will also interact with another program running on a remote system to search for a required file. This file may reside on any other remote system. 

4.       Cloud Computing: 

  Cloud computing can be viewed as a model for distributing information technology. Inorder to gain access to the resources from Internet without depending on direct connection with the server. The model can easily retrieve resources via web-based tools and applications. Here, the information which is to be accessed is stored in clouds and it gives the privileged to the user to access the information whenever and from where ever they want. Thereby, allowing the users to work remotely. In general cloud computing is nothing but the use of computing resources such as hardware and software which are distributed as a service across the network. It centralises the data storage, processing and bandwidth which in turn provides efficient computing process to the users.