Ch 10: Parallel Computer Architecture
About This Chapter
Parallel Computer Architecture - Chapter Summary
Professional instructors created this chapter to make learning about parallel computer architecture easy and enjoyable. Short video lessons cover subjects including mainframe systems, the principles of distributed computing and the architecture associated with multiprocessing. Take your time as you work through this chapter, going back as much as needed to review any of this information over again. We've included lesson quizzes and a chapter test to help you gauge your knowledge before you move on. Once you finish this chapter, you should be ready to complete the following:
- Explain mainframe systems
- Detail the performance of parallel computing
- Discuss the applications and environments of distributed computing
- Define multiprocessing with examples
- Outline the components of grid computing
- Explain the types and alternatives to Flynn's architecture taxonomy
- Identify the design and architecture of a distributed cache
- Describe the characteristics and limitations of superscalar and VLIW architectures
- Discuss the use and characteristics of vector processors
- Outline the role and types of interconnection networks
- Define GPGPU and give examples
- Detail the uses and characteristics of distributed parallel computing

1. What is a Mainframe System?
A mainframe computer is a very large computer capable of handling and processing very large amounts of data quickly. They are used by large institutions, such as government agencies and large corporations.

2. What is Parallel Computing? - Performance & Examples
In this lesson, we'll take a look at parallel computing. We will learn what this means, its main performance characteristic, and some common examples of its use.

3. What is Distributed Computing? - Principles, Environments & Applications
Some computing tasks require the power of multiple computers. Learn how distributed computing coordinates tasks performed on multiple computers at the same time.

4. What Is Multiprocessing? - Definition, Architecture & Examples
Multiprocessing is the capability of a computer to multitask, or execute more than one program or process at the same time. In this lesson, we will learn about computers and their multiprocessing abilities.

5. Grid Computing: Definition, Components & Examples
In this lesson, we'll define Grid Computing, explore its major components, and give some examples of its use. At the end, you should have a good understanding of this important technique.

6. Flynn's Architecture Taxonomy: Types & Alternatives
One of the challenges of parallel computing is that there are many ways to establish a task. One of the choices when building a parallel system is its architecture. Flynn's taxonomy classifies different types of parallel architectures.

7. How Distributed Cache Works: Design & Architecture
In this lesson, we will learn about the concept of caching and the definition and significance of distributed caching. We will look at the design and architecture of different types of distributed caching.

8. Superscalar & VLIW Architectures: Characteristics, Limitations & Functions
This lesson explains the Superscalar and VLIW (Very Long Instruction Word) architectures, their characteristics and limitations. Both superscalar and VLIW architectures are used in parallel processing for executing pipelined instructions.

9. Vector Processors: Characteristics, Use & Examples
In this lesson, we learn the characteristics and advantages of using vector processors. We will learn the characteristics of a vector and see through pseudo-code how vectoring a loop helps with faster program execution.

10. Interconnection Networks: Role & Types
Parallel processing is the simultaneous execution of different tasks by a computer processor. In this lesson, we'll learn about static and dynamic interconnection networks for connecting the different elements for parallel processing.

11. GPGPU: Definition, Differences & Example
GPUs are not just for games and other rendering services anymore. This lesson will explain what a GPGPU is, what makes it different, and why it is important.

12. Distributed Parallel Computing: Characteristics, Uses & Example
In this lesson, we will learn what Distributed Parallel Computing systems are and their benefits. We will discover a few examples of Distributed Parallel Computing systems that we use every day. Additionally, we will explore the SETI project that uses millions of user computers across the world for a scientific purpose.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the Computer Science 306: Computer Architecture course
- Introduction to Computer Architecture & Hardware
- Data Representation in Digital Computing Systems
- Arithmetic in Computer Binary
- Boolean Logic Gates & Functions
- Digital Circuit Theory: Combinational Logic Circuits
- Digital Circuit Theory: Sequential Logic Circuits
- How Memory Functions in a Computer
- Instruction Set Architecture
- Input/Output in Computer Architecture
- Evaluating Computer Performance
- Required Assignments for Computer Science 306