Linux - Potential Applications

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Aug 20, 1999

In the most recent installment of this series, our examination of operating systems took us to Linux, which "feels" like Unix, but runs on a PC. we saw that Linux could be a potentially powerful tool to the computational scientist. This time around we'll take a look at some applications for Linux, including those that are practiced today, and those that a little bit of imagination can conjur up.

As would be expected, Linux will be most useful for applications where attributes of both a PC environment or a Unix operating sytem are desired. Because of this, Linux on a PC(s) probably isn't what you want if you need to perform state-of-the-art calculations in record speed. Not that Linux-based systems won't get there someday, but for now, that's pretty much the realm of the supercomputer. On the other hand, if all you want to do with your computer is some basic word processing, it's probably not necessary to bring Linux into the picture, though your goals could certainly be met in this fashion as well. If, however, you're facing a problem that calls for the control of Unix with the affordability of the PC, Linux may be just what the doctor ordered.

One example that has received some play in this space is that of the clustering of PC's to form a sort of supercomputer. The flexibility afforded to the developer by Linux makes such a setup feasible. Another place where Linux may have some real potential is in the running of many popular, commercially-available scientific codes. Many companies have begun shifting their focus toward the PC corner of the world, leaving many Unix users concerned about the power of future developments. In this case, Linux might just allow the two sides to accomplish their individual goals, while the whole field moves forward.

So, while Linux may not be perfect for every scientific computing application imaginable, it's prominence is likely to grow in the coming years. It should be an interesting ride.

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