Final answer:
The elements of a fault-tolerant computer system include redundancy, fault detection and masking, error recovery, and fault management. Factors considered in fault-tolerant computing systems include system design, component selection, error detection, error recovery mechanisms, fault tolerance levels, and cost. High availability focuses on minimizing downtime and ensuring service continuity, while fault tolerance aims to maintain system functionality during failure.
Step-by-step explanation:
a) The elements of a fault-tolerant computer system include redundancy, fault detection and masking, error recovery, and fault management. Redundancy involves duplicating critical components to ensure backup functionality. Fault detection and masking involve mechanisms to identify and handle errors as they occur. Error recovery involves techniques to correct errors and restore the system to a functioning state. Fault management involves monitoring system health and taking necessary actions in response to faults.
b) Factors considered in fault-tolerant computing systems include system design, component selection, error detection, error recovery mechanisms, fault tolerance levels, and cost. These factors determine how effectively a system can detect, handle, and recover from faults.
c) High availability refers to a system's ability to provide uninterrupted and reliable services. It focuses on minimizing downtime and ensuring service continuity. Fault tolerance, on the other hand, aims to handle and recover from faults to maintain system functionality even during failure.