Cluster Computer Case Suggestions?
So I’ve recently come across a bunch of free computers and I’ve decided to try to hook them together to form a beowulf style cluster for running some of my simulations on since I think I can modify the code to be parallel. I have tested all of the computers and have them spread across my basement floor however I seem to have a problem. I need a way to enclose them into some sort of case or storage area. I don’t want to use wood and have been exploring some kind of plexiglass or similar material without much luck. So far the best idea I’ve seen has been the “Microwulf“.
Tags: Beowulf, Cluster Computing, Computer Science, Distributed Computing, Distributed Simulation, DIY Case, Linux, Microwulf, Parallel, Parallel Computing
Distributed Screen Saver Project
A couple of days ago while trying to stay awake while my simulations ran for hours, I came across this website: Electric Sheep. It seems like a really cool idea. It is a “distributed screensaver” that makes use of genetic algorithms to progress and improve itself. If the people who are using the screensaver press a button they can rate the screensaver good. This is then used as part of the fitness function in the genetic algorithm allowing the good screensavers to be carried along into the next generations.
Tags: Beowulf, Distributed Computing, Distributed Simulation, Electric Sheep, Screen Saver
Ontario College / Uni Students get Free Money!
Not exactly related to computer science, but I thought it would be a helpful post anyways to anyone who might be an Ontario student reading this blog…
I just found out today from Guelph that full-time Ontario College and University students can apply for a textbook / technology grant worth a $100. It may not sound like much but free money is free money and the application takes all of 10 seconds online. That sounds like a pretty sweet hourly rate to me (plus I’m a broke college student myself). Here’s the link if anyone is interested: https://osap.gov.on.ca/eng/eng_osap_main.html. Just click login and look for TTG. According to the FAQ it doesn’t require any proof of financial need or any proof you’ve actually spent the money on textbooks so it’s pretty much no strings attached. For more information about it visit this link: https://osap.gov.on.ca/eng/not_secure/plan_grants_full_sepapp_ttg_12345.htm
Tags: College, Free Money, Grant, Ontario, Students, University
Computer Science, A Science? Still debated…
As an update to my previous post on this subject “Computer Science, A Science?” more debate has taken place on the CompSci.ca forums and blog as a result of a blog post by Tony entitled “The most important programming language”. Many good points were made, for instance: Tony suggested that many people become confused between computer programming and computer science which I agree with.
Tags: Computer Science, Debate, Programming, Tony Targonski, Zeroth
DD-Wrt Micro on Linksys WRT54Gv6
Today on a whim I decided to pickup a Linksys WRT54Gv6 wireless router from Staples. It was on sale for $20 off and looked like the last one there. I’ve been looking at the DD-Wrt software for some time since I have an old junky wireless router buried in my closet at home. Unfortunately the old router I have cannot run DD-Wrt so when I saw this one on sale I thought I’d give the WRT54G a try.
Tags: DD-Wrt, LCD, Linksys, Linux, Open Source, third-party firmware, WRT54Gv6
Ns-2.33 (and nam) on Ubuntu 8.04 (Hardy Heron)
