Turn your desktop computer into a high-performance cluster with PelicanHPC
Run Tests
To run the tests, open a terminal and start GNU Octave by typing octave on the command line, which brings you to the Octave interface.
Here you can run various examples of sample code by typing in a name. For example, the kernel estimations are performed by typing kernel_example.
Similarly, pea_example shows the parallel implementation of the parameterized expectation algorithm, and mc_example2, shown in Figure 4, shows the result of the Monte Carlo test.
Creel also suggests that PelicanHPC can be used for molecular dynamics with the open source software, GROMACS (GROningen MAchine for Chemical Simulations). The distributed project for studying protein folding, Folding@home, also uses GROMACS, and Creel believes that one could also replicate this setup on a cluster created by PelicanHPC.
Creel also suggests that users solely interested in learning about high-performance computing should look to ParallelKnoppix, the last version of which is still available for download [4].
Parallel Programming with PelicanHPC
One of the best uses for PelicanHPC is for compiling and running parallel programs. If this is all you want to use PelicanHPC for, you don't really need the slave nodes because the tools can compile your programs on the front-end node itself.
PelicanHPC includes several tools for writing and processing parallel code. OpenMPI compiles programs in C, C++, and Fortran. SciPy and NumPy [5] are Python-based apps for scientific computing. PelicanHPC also has the MPI toolbox (MPITB) for Octave, which lets you call MPI library routines from within Octave.
Passing the Buck
If you're new to parallel programming, you might not be aware of MPI (Message-Passing Interface), which is key to parallel computing. It is a software system that allows you to write message-passing parallel programs that run on a cluster. MPI isn't a programming language, but a library that can pass messages between multiple processes. The process can be either on a local machine or running across the various nodes on the cluster.
Popular languages for writing MPI programs are C, C++ and Fortran. MPICH was the first implementation of the MPI 1.x specification. LAM/MPI is another implementation that also covers significant bits of the MPI 2.x spec. LAM/MPI can pass messages via TCP/IP, shared memory, or Infiniband. The most popular implementation of MPI is OpenMPI, which is developed and maintained by a consortium and combines the best of various projects, such as LAM/MPI. Many of the Top 500 supercomputers use it, including IBM Roadrunner, which is currently the fastest.
« Previous 1 2 3 Next »
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Gnome 47.1 Released with a Few Fixes
The latest release of the Gnome desktop is all about fixing a few nagging issues and not about bringing new features into the mix.
-
System76 Unveils an Ampere-Powered Thelio Desktop
If you're looking for a new desktop system for developing autonomous driving and software-defined vehicle solutions. System76 has you covered.
-
VirtualBox 7.1.4 Includes Initial Support for Linux kernel 6.12
The latest version of VirtualBox has arrived and it not only adds initial support for kernel 6.12 but another feature that will make using the virtual machine tool much easier.
-
New Slimbook EVO with Raw AMD Ryzen Power
If you're looking for serious power in a 14" ultrabook that is powered by Linux, Slimbook has just the thing for you.
-
The Gnome Foundation Struggling to Stay Afloat
The foundation behind the Gnome desktop environment is having to go through some serious belt-tightening due to continued financial problems.
-
Thousands of Linux Servers Infected with Stealth Malware Since 2021
Perfctl is capable of remaining undetected, which makes it dangerous and hard to mitigate.
-
Halcyon Creates Anti-Ransomware Protection for Linux
As more Linux systems are targeted by ransomware, Halcyon is stepping up its protection.
-
Valve and Arch Linux Announce Collaboration
Valve and Arch have come together for two projects that will have a serious impact on the Linux distribution.
-
Hacker Successfully Runs Linux on a CPU from the Early ‘70s
From the office of "Look what I can do," Dmitry Grinberg was able to get Linux running on a processor that was created in 1971.
-
OSI and LPI Form Strategic Alliance
With a goal of strengthening Linux and open source communities, this new alliance aims to nurture the growth of more highly skilled professionals.