M.A.Stoker@newcastle.ac.uk (Michael Stoker) (11/16/90)
Practical Parallel Programming
on Unix Shared Memory Multiprocessors
January 7th-11th, 1991
Centre For Multiprocessors
Computing Laboratory
University of Newcastle upon Tyne
An evolutionary approach to parallel programming is the prime
focus of this 4-day course, which will concentrate on practical
parallel programming on Unix-based shared memory multiprocessors.
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Shared memory multiprocessors, now available from a number of
manufacturers, provide immediate opportunities for improved
performance for many applications. Such computer systems are
expected to form a dominant part of the general purpose and
parallel processing computer marketplaces in the coming decade.
The key which can quickly unlock this improved performance is to
exploit the parallel processing capabilities of these machines
using an evolutionary approach based on extensions of
conventional sequential programming languages such as Fortran and
C. No longer need parallel processing be the preserve of
expensive, special-purpose computer systems with non-conventional
programming languages.
The course will present:
the basic concepts of parallelism, parallel programming
paradigms and the design of parallelised programs,
the architecture of parallel computers,
parallel programming on Unix systems,
experiences of research staff at Newcastle in producing
parallel programs,
longer term developments in parallel programming,
and will include
a significant practical element, with the opportunity to
design and implement parallel programs to run on a large,
commercial shared memory multiprocessor (an Encore Multimax
520) containing 14 CPUs (120 MIPS) and running Unix, to
learn at first hand about the advantages and pitfalls of
parallel programming.
The course is intended for programmers, software engineers and
software managers, and will assume familiarity in a sequential
programming language such as C, Pascal or Fortran. Experience in
parallel programming is not required. Familiarity with Unix would
be advantageous, but not vital. The course will be given by
members of the Centre for Multiprocessors (CMP), part of the
Computing Laboratory at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne.
The cost for the 4-day course excluding accommodation is 470+VAT
pounds, though a special rate is available for academics. The
closing date for registration is Friday 14th of December, and
registration enquiries should be addressed to Ann Pretswell at,
Centre for Multiprocessors,
Computing Laboratory,
The University,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
NE1 7RU, UK.
Telephone: 091 222 8049
Fax: 091 222 8232
E-mail: Centre-for-Multis@newcastle.ac.uk
CMP specialises in parallel processing on shared memory
multiprocessors, and is sponsored by a grant from the DTI's
Enterprise Initiative.