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Title:
Beowulf Cluster Computing with WindowsAuthor:
Thomas Sterling (ed)Reviewer:
Francis GlassborowWhat is a Beowulf Cluster? Basically it is a number of PCs (Intel or
equivalent, such as AMD) connected by a LAN such as Ethernet together
with the software that allows such a cluster to perform as a parallel
processing computer. The idea is not new (I had a student who programmed
the schools 16-station network to work as a single machine back in about
1986) but it was not until the mid 90's that the idea was realised in a
more general form so that the user did not need a special understanding
to get real work from a cluster. The first cluster was built from
486-based machines running Linux circa 1994. The idea has developed
with improvements in the software and diversification so that clusters
do not need to be homogeneous in hardware nodes and you now have the
option of building a Beowulf Cluster running on machines using Windows
2000. There are significant differences between Linux and Windows 2000
Beowulf Clusters, which is why there are two books. I have to confess
that I am a little puzzled as to why anyone would want to build a Windows
2000 based Beowulf Cluster given that Linux has a reputation for running
more efficiently. I would be interested to see how the two match up. Of
course Linux clusters are significantly cheaper because the operating
system is cheaper. If you wonder as to how powerful these machines can
be, have a look at
www.top500.org
- I think you may be amazed.
You can, I hope, understand why I am not going to go into great
detail with the rest of this review. The books are divided into three
sections. The first title 'Enabling Technologies' deals with everything
from a little history through to setting up a cluster including
installation and configuration. The second part, titled 'Parallel
Programming' deals with issues concerning software that will run on a
cluster. Yes, it starts with the classic 'Hello World' program. If you
want to get some idea as to how this area of programming is developing
it this is a good introduction. Of course an ambitious reader might be
inspired to collect a dozen or so retired machines and build their own
Beowulf Cluster.
The third part of this book is about managing a Beowulf Cluster once
you have one installed and running.
If a group of students wanted to develop their understanding of this
area of computing I think building a small Beowulf Cluster would make an
excellent project. I think I would choose the Linux based option. This
book would guide you in the process though you would have to get all
the relevant software. If an ACCU member comes forward with a serious
proposal to manage such a project I will happily donate the relevant
book to them on the understanding that we get reports on progress.Other Computer Uses
