Given the Saudi Electronic University's shift towards a more comprehensive online learning

environment, assess the critical design considerations for a robust distributed system that

supports both synchronous and asynchronous learning across diverse geographic locations.

Discuss the trade$-$offs involved in ensuring scalability, reliability, and security

within this distributed system.

Provide examples of potential system architectures, such as client$/$server and

cloud computing, that could be utilized to enhance the university's virtual

learning capabilities.