Distributed computing is a method of computer processing in which different parts of a program run simultaneously on two or more computers that are communicating with each other over a network. Distributed computing is a type of segmented or parallel computing, but the latter term is most commonly used to refer to processing in which different parts of a program run simultaneously on two or more processors that are part of the same computer. While both types of processing require that a program be segmented—divided into sections that can run simultaneously—distributed computing also requires that the division of the program take into account the different environments on which the different sections of the program will be running. For example, two computers are likely to have different file systems and different hardware components.
An example of distributed computing is BOINC, a framework in which large problems can be divided into many small problems which are distributed to many computers. Later, the small results are reassembled into a larger solution. Continue reading ‘Distributed computing’
There have been a few people asking for links to a couple of desktop pictures I have posted on flickr. Unfortunately I don’t have the links anymore or even remember where I got them. However, I do still have the files.
I’m sure that just about everyone will know this but for the two or three people that don’t, just use the “Save link as” command to download the images of your choice.
So here they are…
Continue reading ‘My iMac Desktop pictures’

Mac mini (Late 2005) Processor Heatsink
Originally uploaded by malagent
I’ve used Mac mini’s a lot in my business and personal life. It’s great to be able to put such a small Mac wherever you want it and they rarely if ever have any problems.
In fact the only problem I’ve ever had with them is that they can end up getting a bit dirty especially if one has pets such as cats or dogs around.
When this 1.33GHz model tarted having some stability issues I disassembled it and cleaned it. The heat sink was almost completely blocked by a combination of hair and dust that fell away during disassembly.
iMac DV (Slot Loading), Code Name: “Kihei, P7″
Recently acquired this iMac is in perfect working order with the exception of some very severe burn in on the CRT, thankfully I just happen to have a spare CRT in waiting.
I know this is a bit dated now, well only by a decade and a half, but I’m practicing my photography and my Photoshop skills. I’ve got a lot of old CPU’s and the bunny suit guy was bored sitting on top of my iMac so I thought I would put him to good use.
This is a test post from
, a fancy photo sharing thing.
[This Item Has been Sold!]
Still too many gadgets around the place so I’ve listed this Stereo for sale on Craiglist. It was pulled from my 1999 Dodge Durango when I decided to spend entirely too much money on an in dash DVD player.
For the sake of clarity the DVD player is not currently for sale, the one being sold is the Original OEM Stereo CD & Cassette player. The part number is P04704383AF Continue reading ‘95 96 97 98 99 00 Dodge Jeep Chrysler CD Stereo Cassette’
I’m selling off yet another Whitebox PC, It’s listed on Craigslist at the moment.
The Specs are:
- Motherboard: PCChips M810D
- Power Supply: 300 watt
- Chipset: SiS 740
- Graphics: Integrated SiS 315
- Processor: AMD Athlon XP 2400+ (2.0GHz) (Socket A)
- L1 Cache: 64kb instruction/64kb data
- FSB 133MHz/266MHz
- Memory: 512MB DDr 266MHz (PC2100)
- Hard Disk Drive: Maxtor 40GB (D740X-6L)
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP (Version 2002, Service Pack 2)
- Network: On board 10/100 Ethernet
- Optical Drives: DVD-ROM & CDRW drives.
The system has been thoroughly tested and cleaned. The hard drive was replaced and a surface scan was performed prior to the operating system installation. Prior to listing I’ve ran a system stability test for well over 20 hours with no abnormal temperature or voltage readings in the CPU, motherboard or hard drive.
This system originally had an AMD Athlon 1700+ (1100/1400MHz) CPU which I have replaced with the AMD Athlon XP 2400+ the benchmarking shows about a 33% performance gain using BOINC with SETI@Home.

