DOS Beowulf
(ver 2.01)
Abandoned Freeware


A SuperComputer is a computer with a high level of performance compared 
to a general-purpose computer. Supercomputing efficiently solves extremely 
complex or data intensive problems by recruiting the processing power 
of multiple, parallel computers (each node is fed a separate part of the 
data, and then the results are recombined). SuperComputers play an important 
role in the field of computational science, and are used for a wide range 
of computationally intensive tasks in various fields, including weather 
forecasting, aerodynamics, and cryptanalysis.  


DOS Beowulf allows you to create an inexpensive massively parallel 
SuperComputer cluster using two or more computers running DOS. The 
machines don't need much memory or even a hard drive, but they must 
have a working parallel port to which you will connect a simple, 
specially wired parallel port cable.

As with all massively parallel SuperComputer systems, interconnection 
optimization is critical, because the efficiency of the interconnection 
between nodes governs the computing speed limit of your entire cluster.  
Use quality wiring, and keep the cable runs short and relatively equal. 

When arranging the cluster, plan for power needs and heat dissipation.  
Excising unneeded components, such as hard drives, will help with both.


The platform for the cluster is UBASIC 8.8F (included), which is an ultra-
precision BASIC interpreter, written entirely in Assembly language for high 
speed. Note that UBASIC will run slightly faster on FreeDOS than it does on 
MS-DOS.  It should also be optimized on -each- model of computer attached 
(generally speaking, you should try to keep all the node hardware similar).

Features:
- Communication is a full 8 bits wide with 100% handshaking.
- Everything fits on one floppy with plenty of room to spare.
- Transmission speed adjusts automatically to the port.
- Formulas to be executed can be sent to nodes.
- Calculates to 2,600 decimal places.
- Chaining possible between nodes.
- Nodes can be easily added.
- Built in diagnostics.
- Easy to use.

Note that the included scripts must be re-written slightly to reflect the 
number of nodes in your SuperComputer, and to execute your desired calculation.

file = BEOWULF.zip


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ThinkPad Configuration for DOS
(ver 4.44)
Abandoned Freeware


As shipped, the Extended Parallel Port [EPP] feature in IBM ThinkPads is 
not enabled.  Normally this can be changed in the BIOS, but this ability 
is lacking in the ThinkPad BIOS.  Instead, the setting is modified with 
the "ThinkPad Configuration for DOS" utility.  

This utility should work with most ThinkPads, and will thus allow a 
ThinkPad laptop to be used as a Beowulf node.  

file = ThinkPad.zip