Running two computers as one

[nvening]

Is this possible? Would it be a linux cluster? Do they have to be the same if it can be done?

[RDL]

Well, give us an example of what you were planning?

[nvening]

a p4 and a p3 together

[chrestomanci]

You realy need to be more specific.

Linux can spread tasks accross more than one computer using the open mosix kernel patch, but it is only usefull on long running compute intesive tasks like media encoding. There are also specialised clustering solutions but for those you need a large collection of identical systems. (preferably 1U servers stacked 42 high in racks).

[autopilot]

You do need to be more specific. There are a few models around, but it's mainly servers performing single highly specific tasks rather than general computing. This is usually known as parallel computing, and some of the worlds so called 'super computers' are really a collectction of lesser powerful machines. The main problem with this though is actually manageing what 'computer/server/etc' actually does what and coordinating them is an incredibly complicated process also generates a lot of processing overheads by itself.
There is also distributed computing, such as Seti, Folding@home etc, which some people liken to having one massive computer. But really it's still just single PC's operating seperatly but towards a common goal. I would think thats what open mosix would be clasified as.
As for running a P4 & P3 together "as one", that pretty much imposible apart from some kind of ditributed system but there would not be much point in it. Don't forget that for a processor to run side by side with another it really needs to have a very very fast interface with the other chip, such as the new cell and dual core CPU's do. There is no real way to connect to PC's up with a cable to run it as 'one' PC, if thats what you were getting at.

But i'm not expert on this, that just what i remember from the subject at Uni.

[kalniel]

Yes it is possible. Do some searches on clusters or even the GRID if you're feeling trendy. There is also a distrubuted computing sub-forum on Hexus.

Currently one machine will still have to be set up as a master node, but you can add any number of slave nodes underneath this master. It should even be possible to have one computer run as both a master and slave. If the p4 has hyperthreading then this would be a suitable choice for such a master. To run programs on the cluster you need batch queuing software - I recommend looking at either Globus or Condor.

Having a cluster is one thing, making proper use of it is another. Are you going to be running non-communicative processes, or communicative ones? The latter are the ones that require similar if not identical hardware on your nodes, but they will also require specific MPI programming. The former can run accross different hardwares and do not need specific programming.

[directhex]

*cough*

before we rush off on tangents and get him to buy Myrinet10G interconnect, perhaps he should get a chance to make his intentions clearer?

[peterb]

Perhaps he should just go and buy a Cray...

[directhex]

Perhaps he should just go and buy a Cray...

I suspect he has something specific in mind. I doubt that includes MPI Linux apps, or UNICOS apps.

[peterb]

Myrinet10G interconnect.

Fascinating...!

[schmunk]

I suspect he has something specific in mind.

I suspect he doesn't...

[peterb]

I suspect he doesn't...

[nvening]

I suspect he was just looking for a ideas to do with any spare systems he came a across.

I think ill just run a server and a smoothwall firewall, i like the sound of that.

[Hans Voralberg]

U can just run the P3 as a server and firewall cant u ?

[Norky]

Install Synergy on them both, share the workload

[nvening]

U can just run the P3 as a server and firewall cant u ?

pst, thats what i mean