Chapter 8 Models & Simulations: High Performance Computing/Visualization

This is an overview of high performance computing and as well as an overview of visualization of models.

[jacobtuck]

Computers/processors are becoming increasingly more powerful nowadays. As others have said, parallel processing allows multiple computers to work on the same thing at once. Models and simulation have become incredibly complex and more precise.

[tylerriley]

I believe the biggest factor for users of these high performance systems is the parallel processor. This essentially allows users to multi-task which in turn increases both the efficiency and productivity of the user. With more processing power and high levels of computing ability the users of these systems are able to do more in less time which is a benefit to the stakeholders identified.

[Superjoe]

First of all, nice branding video. All little bit of brass instrumentals never hurt. But seriously, all of the terms for the different types of processing cannot be emphasized enough. They are found alot in the modeling and computing topics. Your definitons of all of them were great, and the strategy you used by giving one dedicated slide to each i think really improved the flow of the presentation overall.

[analu]

I believe that simulations are becoming more complex like Phillip said but this allows us to come up with simulations and models to predict more accurate data. As mentioned in the video, experimental research is now using simulations and models in high performance computers to have more accurate data presented in the research.

[ITGSFrau]

was hoping to see a visualisation of numeric data from a spreadsheet

[Yall_gaming]

Supercomputers use centralized and distributed processing to maximize efficiency. Parallel processing allows more than one computer to work on the same thing at once. Centralized processing involves multiple processors in the same computer system. Dual core and quad core processing are examples of this. Wow, 300, 000 processors in the IBM computer is crazy! Distributed processing allows other computers to combine their processing powers by breaking down the task into many different pieces for each computer.

[jonathanhawk]

It's important to note that more advanced computers are more powerful not necessarily due to being smarter, but simply due to being able to complete calculations at a reasonable speed. Theoretically, an old computer without software limitations could complete the same calculations as modern supercomputers, but it would takes hundreds if not thousands of years to complete the task. This is also not accounting for the extra storage space required to store values during a calculation, which is also a major factor.

[brycevokus]

High performance computers (super computers) are amazing pieces of technology. The parallel processor is a key component in these computers. It allows the computer to have more processing power, and complete multiple processes at once. 

[danielle]

Technology is something that is becoming so fast and powerful nowadays. With supercomputers the simulations with many factors involved could be computed at very fast and very accurate speeds. I think it is just amazing how it could be done. I know personally in my physics class that calculating the trajectory of a projectile with just one factor is difficult and long enough. But at the same time, it is just a bunch of equations that are being calculated. So the computers calculate the equations at a a super fast speed. 

[zackwiniecki]

Different kinds of processing are used in different situations, however, all of the techniques are used for the purpose of increasing the speed with which data is processed.

[phillipmccormick]

As the complexity of simulations increases, the amount of processing power needed nincreases along with it. This sometimes requires a supercomputer. These computers allow for more complicated processing techniques that allow for a faster and more sophisticated representation of the situation through the simulation.

[jackieknap]

Supercomputers are used to perform complex computing. They have the ability to process data that is so complex because of their processing speed and processing power. Parallel processing involves using two different computers to complete a process, making the process very quick to complete. Centralized processing involved many processors installed into the same computer system. Supercomputers are used to increase productivity in many workplaces. 

[jacobsalminen]

High performance computing is needed for visualization and modeling. Distributed computing is a very cost effective way for low budget organizations to calculate complicated algorithms. Of course, certain organizations that can afford the high performance computers like IBM's Watson, benefit from a on the hand processor that can perform millions of calculations within seconds. 

[thomasvincze]

Processing and computing continues to become more powerful due to improvements in processors. Processing can be very confusing, involving program codes, etc.