Linux Distros

As clustering in Linux becomes more and more common, certain distributions are being released that focus specifically on providing, among other things, clustering and high performance computing tools. On this page, we have two different sections, one on these distros that are specifically targetted at clustering, and just general Linux distributions.

• BioBrew: BioBrew is a distro aimed specifically at the bioinformatics and life sciences communities. It is based on the NPACI Rocks software, and includes a lot of popular clustering software packages, as well as many bioinformatics software.
  
  
• CLIC: CLIC is Mandrake's attempt to create a project with the objective of creating a Linux distribution for clustered machines, including meeting the needs for deploying, administering, and programming clusters for the purpose of intensive calculation.
  
  
• MandrakeClustering: MandrakeClustering is a Mandrake based HPC clustering solution that is based on the CLIC research project.
  
  
• Red Hat Advanced Server: Red Hat Advanced Server is Red Hat's variation on their Linux distro aimed at enterprise and high performance computing needs. It includes, among other things, Red Hat Cluster Manager for high availability systems, and Red Hat Network Enterprise Service for management of multiple systems. Red Hat's support for 64 bit hardware is this distro.
  
  
• Rocks: The Rocks Clustering Toolkit, from the folks at NPACI, is a collection of Open Source tools to help build, manage, and monitor, clusters.
  
  
• Scyld Beowulf Cluster Operating System: Scyld is the "second generation" of the Beowulf Clustering software. It provides a single system image cluster using specially developed tools and libraries.
  
  

• Bootable Cluster CD: The BCCD is a bootable CD image that boots up a distributed computing environment. It is based on the LNX-BBC project, decendent of the BBC project from LinuxCare. Included tools on the BCCD are MPICH, LAM-MPI, PVM, the C3 toolkit, openMosix (with openMosixview and userland tools), and more. BCCD is mainly geared towards educational purposes, rather than dedicated clusters.
  
  
• ClusterKnoppix: ClusterKnoppix is basically Knoppix, a great bootable CD, with an openMosix kernel. It includes all of openMosix's basic functionality. Just boot the server off the CD, boot some networked clients, and you have an instant cluster.
  
  
• ParallelKnoppix: ParallelKnoppix is a Knoppix based CD that allows the user to set up a cluster of machines for parallel processing using LAM-MPI or MPICH. It takes less than 15 minutes to set the cluster up, and the slave nodes can PXE-boot.
  
  
• PlumpOS: PlumpOS is the successor to clump/os. It is a mini Linux distro aimed at being an easy way to add nodes to an openMosix cluster without much work (or thought).
  
  
• Quantian: Quantian is a Knoppix variant, specifically tailored to numerical and quantitative analysis. Starting with version 0.3, it is based on clusterKnoppix.