Parallel computing

Parallel computing is the simultaneous execution of the same task (split up and specially adapted) on multiple processors in order to obtain faster results.

Parallel computing systems

The term parallel processor is sometimes used for a computer with more than one processor, available for parallel processing. Systems with thousands of such processors are known as massively parallel.

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There are many different kinds of parallel computers (or "parallel processors"). They are distinguished by the kind of interconnection between processors (known as "processing elements" or PEs) and between processors and memories. Flynn's taxonomy also classifies parallel (and serial) computers according to whether all processors execute the same instructions at the same time (single instruction/multiple data -- SIMD) or each processor executes different instructions (multiple instruction/multiple data -- MIMD). Parallel processor machines are

Related Topics:
Flynn's taxonomy - SIMD - MIMD

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also divided into symmetric and asymmetric multiprocessors, depending on whether all the processors are capable of running all the operating system code and, say, accessing I/O devices or if some processors are more or less privileged.

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