Small-college supercomputing: building a Beowulf cluster at a comprehensive college

A Beowulf cluster is a MIMD multiprocessor built from commodity off-the-shelf personal computers connected via a dedicated network, running free open-source software. Such a cluster can provide a supercomputer's performance at a small fraction of one's cost. For small colleges and universities, the relatively low cost of a Beowulf cluster makes it an attractive alternative to a commercial supercomputer. This paper details our experience building a Beowulf cluster at a four-year comprehensive college.

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2002
• Where: SIGCSE
• Authors: Joel C. Adams, David Vos
• Keywords: Beowulf Cluster, Education, Four-year Comprehensive College, Off-the-shelf Personal Computers, SIGCSE 2002