[ Thanks to Doug
Bostrom for this link. ]
“The idea that you can build your own supercomputer using
off-the-shelf components and even old PCs may seem far-fetched, but
it’s happening today with Linux clusters.“
“A cluster is a group of computers bound together. The computers
in the cluster work together, usually to solve mathematical
problems or to provide support in case some computers in the
cluster fail.”
“In the different types of clusters, the main distinction is how
tightly you couple the computers. Many operating systems support
clustering, including VMS, Windows 2000, and Linux, where the
interest in clustering has surged in recent months.”
“Economics is a key factor leading to the popularity of Linux
clustering. When scientific labs request bids for new systems, most
want as many COTS (commercial off-the-shelf), systems as possible.
The rationale is that commercially available and commercially
supported systems will be cheaper: In the short run with the
initial purchase, and in the long run with the ability to add
computers to the cluster. And this rationale has proven true.”