James Reynolds, University of Utah
Track: System Administration
Date: Tuesday, October 26
Time: 1:45pm - 2:30pm
Location: Stevens Creek
TrackBack
Xgrid brings the power of distributive computing to anyone with
multiple Macintosh computers. Xgrid enables users to create clusters
of networked computers located on the same subnet using Rendezvous
or located anywhere using IP. Xgrid users specify the job to run on
the cluster using the Xgrid application, xgrid command line tool, or
3rd party applications that are Xgrid enabled. Xgrid handles
distributing jobs to the cluster, gathering the results, and
returning the results to the user.
Xgrid jobs typically take hours, days, or even weeks to finish. They
can be made of anything that takes command line parameters. That can
be a script, Unix command, or even a GUI application. Obvious jobs
include 3D rendering, complex math equations, and scientific problems.
While amazingly easy to use, there are still techniques that will
produce the best results and there are tricks that can accomplish
virtually anything. Already many non-programmers are using Xgrid to
create worldwide clusters similar to SETI@Home.
If you feel savvy enough, download Xgrid on your laptop and lend your
computer power for the session demo. Witness first hand how easy
Xgrid is to install, how to remove it, how to set up a cluster, how
to craft a job, and see what security implications this technology
introduces.
Download presentation file
