fault tolerance

In computing, a general term given to technologies or techniques employed to make a computer system more tolerant of faults. Typically, fault tolerant computers will have some of their hardware duplicated, so that if one component fails, the duplicate can take over straight away without the computer having to be shut down. Computers that are highly fault tolerant are very expensive and difficult to design, but are necessary for systems like nuclear power station control systems, and aircraft control systems, where safety is crucial.