Rocks Cluster Distribution

Infobox OS
name = Rocks Cluster Distribution
logo=


caption =
developer = NPACI, SDSC, UCSD
family = Linux
source_model = Open Source
latest_release_version = 5.0 (V)
latest_release_date = April 30, 2008
kernel_type = Monolithic (Linux)
license = Various
working_state = in development
website = http://www.rocksclusters.org/

Rocks Cluster Distribution (originally called NPACI Rocks) is a Linux distribution intended for high-performance computing clusters. It was started by NPACI and the SDSC in 2000 [cite web|url=http://www.rocksclusters.org/wordpress/?page_id=57|title=About Rocks Cluster|publisher=Rocks Cluster Distribution|accessdate=2007-08-05] , and was initially funded in part by an NSF grant (2000-2007) [cite web|url=http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward.do?AwardNumber=0438741|title=Award Abstract #0438741 SCI: Delivering Cyberinfrastructure: From Vision to Reality|publisher=National Science Foundation|date=July 1, 2005|accessdate=2007-08-05] but is currently funded by the followup NSF grant [cite web|url=http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward.do?AwardNumber=0721623|title=Award Abstract #0721623 SDCI: NMI: Improvement: The Rocks Cluster Toolkit and Extensions to Build User-Defined Cyberenvironments|dateAugust 31, 2007] . Rocks was initially based on the Red Hat Linux distribution, however modern versions of Rocks are now based on CentOS, with a modified Anaconda installer that simplifies mass installation onto many computers. Rocks includes many tools (such as MPI) which are not part of CentOS but are integral components that make a group of computers into a cluster.

Installations can be customized with additional software packages at install-time by using special user-supplied CDs (called "Roll CDs"). The "Rolls" extend the system by integrating seamlessly and automatically into the management and packaging mechanisms used by base software, greatly simplifying installation and configuration of large numbers of computers. [cite news|url=http://www.gridtoday.com/04/0216/102698.html|date=February 16, 2004|title=SDSC Enhances Rocks Cluster Management Toolkit|publisher=Grid Today|accessdate=2007-08-05] Over a dozen Rolls have been created, including the SGE roll, the Condor roll, the Lustre roll, the Java roll, and the ganglia roll.

References

External links

* [http://www.rocksclusters.org/ Official site]
* [https://lists.sdsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/npaci-rocks-discussion Rocks mailing list]