Teaching parallel computing concepts with a desktop computer

Abstract

Parallel computing is currently used in many engineering problems. However, because of
limitations in curriculum design, it is not always possible to offer students specific formal teaching in
this topic. Furthermore, parallel machines are still too expensive for many institutions. The latest
microprocessors, such as Intel’s Pentium III and IV, embody single instruction multiple-data (SIMD) type
parallel features, which makes them a viable solution for introducing parallel computing concepts to
students. Final year projects have been initiated utilizing SSE (streaming SIMD extensions) features and
it has been observed that students can easily learn parallel programming concepts after going through
some programming exercises. They can now experiment with parallel algorithms on their own PCs at
home.
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