Using the cyber 205

The CYBER 205 is a new computer systems produced by Control Data Corporation at Arden Hills, Minnesota. The CYBER 205 is a large scale vector processor with substantial capabilities in scaler processing, one-to-four million words of main memory and concurrent I/O facilities. The CYBER 205 is available to potential users now in the last half of 1981. These facilities are found in Control Data CYBERNET Centers as well as in several installations throughout the world. The technology employed in the construction of the CYBER 205 emphasizes the latest advances in large scale integration of both logic and memory. The CYBER 205 system concept exploits the CDC Loosely Coupled Network (LCN). Standard FORTRAN is supplemented by various extensions imbedded with the provided FORTRAN compiler. Arithmetic properties of the computer are designed to support the functional requirements of FORTRAN in 32-bit and 128-bit formats. A multiprogramming operating system based on the CYBER 205 virtual memory isalso provided by Control Data Corporation. A variety of programs have now been run on the CYBER 205. The results of some of these runs are shown in tabular form for parametric study purposes. Analysis of these tables is converted to (tentative) timing formulas applicable to the specific algorithms described. The net effect of the algorithm development, the language support, the CYBER 200 libraries, the input/output support system and the CYBER 200 operational system is to extend the utility of supercomputers in a user environment. This system is now operational (in 1981).     

p—a timesharing operating system for laboratory automation

An operating system supporting laboratory automation and interactive use of a computer has been designed and implemented for the multiprogrammed RC4000 computer. The emphasis in the design has been to give the user interactive access to as many system resources as possible, and to facilitate writing of process control programs in a high-level language, i.e. ALGOL. The operating system is used to run control and data collection programs for a variety of experiments in physical chemistry. Laboratory automation programs can be started and removed dynamically, and may even be restarted automatically after a system failure. The operating system is a 1500 line ALGOL program. The first version was designed, implemented and debugged in about 4 person-months. The operating system has been running day and night for approximately 5 years without errors despite heavy use.     

Use and misuse of SPSS

This paper reports a survey of the use of SPSS at a major nationwide university computer centre. SPSS was modified to output a record each time it was used reporting:

• (a) who was using the program;
• (b) resource consumption;
• (c) size of data set;
• (d) SPSS commands used;
• (e) SPSS syntax errors which occurred;
• (f) job status at termination.

We found that SPSS was used 3,000-4,000 times monthly by a user community from over 30 departments. Resource consumption varied greatly but the majority of jobs are quite small in our terms. Data sets also varied greatly but most were up to 300 cases by up to 20 variables. The majority of users employ a subset of the SPSS command language and attempt only one ‘procedure’ in each run. About 30 per cent of jobs fail due to a user error in the syntax, and we found considerable consistency from month to month in the syntax errors made. Our detailed observations have many implications for the ongoing development of SPSS and its documentation, for the users, and for those who teach or advise in SPSS.     

Experiences in benchmarking the three supercomputers CRAY-1M, CRAY-X/MP, FUJITSU VP-200 compared with the CYBER 76

The speed of the three supercomputers CRAY-1M, CRAY-X/MP, FUJITSU VP-200 is measured several times. There exist technical numbers like cycle time, start-up times, etc. and numbers for the speed of basic arithmetic operations depending on the vector length, for kernel programs and for a few special production programs. In this article some numbers and some experiences are given for a broader program set, real production programs from a heterogenous workload, typical for a university computer center environment with technical oriented research problems. The intention was to measure the relative speed to the CONTROL DATA CYBER 76, the main computer which the Regionales Rechenzentrum für Niedersachsen (RRZN) at the University of Hannover has operated for more than 10 years. For replacing this computer some investigations were necessary for benchmarking some new computers and supercomputers. Experiences are given with the migration of real programs to the supercomputers and a used benchmark is described. The measured speed factors are given for the three supercomputers compared with the CYBER 76. Very remarkable is the big range of the different speed factors. Some global thoughts about benchmarking, the interpretation of the results for the used benchmark and some special programs with their effects are discussed.     

基于自主可控平台的机旁监控系统的研制

在武器电子装备对信息安全自主可控的需求背景下,研制了一套基于国产化平台的船用机旁监控系统;根据系统的功能需求和通信接口要求,进行了系统需求分析,提出了基于龙芯处理器和中标麒麟操作系统的监控系统构造方案,阐述了国产化硬件设计原理、系统软件框架、接口驱动开发流程,QT界面设计方法,实现了四路CAN通信总计每秒3 600帧,以太网采集的1O点数达到1 400点,符合自主可控要求的国产化监控系统,而且监控系统软件具备跨平台的可移植性、可复用性和可扩展性;通过实验结果进行分析,该监测系统具有数据通信冗余可靠、界面及后台任务执行效率高,工作稳定,环境适应性满足实际电子装备工程要求,提高的数据采集与监视控制系统自主可控性,对自主可控系统设计运行具有推广应用的价值.     

Number of representations and maximum dimensions for S(N)

Title of program: LATTICE Catalogue number: AARH Listing available from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland (see application form in this issue) Computer: CDC CYBER 205; Installation: CYBERNET Data Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA (test run was executed on the system when it was being checked out) Operating system: CYBER 200 O.S. Programming language used: CYBER 200 FORTRAN High speed storage required: 65–256 K (virtual memory system) Number of bits in a word: 64 Overlay structure: none Number of magnetic tapes required: none Other peripherals used: card reader, line printer Number of cards in combined program and test deck: 662 Card punching code: CDC     

An exercise in resource allocation

In a large operating system, the probability that bottlenecks exist is high. The outcome of modifications to the system attempting to overcome these bottlenecks are often not easy to predict. It is frequently difficult to discover:

• (1) Whether an improvement has actually been made to the system.
• (2) Where exactly the improvement in system performance, if any, is occurring.
• (3) How to adjust parameters of the system to achieve an improved performance.

Performance tools are described in this paper which were used to help resolve these points in the implementation of a Peripheral Processor and Channel Scheduling mechanism in the operating system used at CERN on a CDC 6000 system. The paper shows how analysis of the performance data provided a clearer appreciation of the performance of the scheduling mechanism.     

Interactive visualization of three-dimensional magnetic fields

In order to observe the physical values (magnetic flux density and eddy current) in 3D magnetic field analysis, an interactive and highly manipulative visualization system depicting stereo images is intalled in a graphics workstation with high functional graphic processors. The system has the following characteristics:

• 1 An interactive and highly manipulative menu window with many functions: it enables visualization of complex phenomena in a 3D field through observation of various combinations of physical values from various viewpoints.
• 2 Simultaneous display of both magnetic flux density and eddy current by using the appropriate use of two colour display methods for stream lines and distribution maps of density: this function facilitates observation of the mutual relations between two physical values in a 3D field.
• 3 Animations and stereo displays: since they give extremely distinct images, observers can easily understand even highly complex 3D phenomena.

In this paper, the calculation method of density vectors, their display methods, and interactive functions are described. Some examples are also illustrated.     

Automated interactive simulation modeling system: AISIM

A new general purpose simulation modeling tool, AISIM (Automated Interactive Simulation Modeling System), has been developed by Air Force System Command's Electronic Systems Division under the direction of Air Force Program Element 64740F, Computer Resource Management Technology. The 64740F Program Element develops and transfers into active use the technology, tools, and techniques needed to cope with the explosive growth of computer resources used in mission critical Air Force systems. The program was initiated to:

• 1.1) provide for the transition of computer system developments in laboratories, industry, and academia to system program offices.
• 2.2) develop and apply software acquisition management techniques to reduce life cycle costs.
• 3.3) provide improved software design tools.

AISIM is one of these tools. Among the users of AISIM are Air Force Systems Command Product Divisions, the Defense Mapping Agency, Naval Underwater Systems Command, and the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) Technical Center. AISIM is designed to provide quick answers to system performance questions during the conceptual phase of a system's acquisition. AISIM has undergone many tests and is currently in the initial operating capability phase of software development. Initial test results indicate potential for wide application to the study of communication nets, computer system architectures, and data processing functions during the conceptual stages of system development. This paper introduces the reader to AISIM—its model building capabilities and its five user interfaces.     

Specification and initialization of a logic computer system

A logic computer system consists of an inference machine and a compatible logic operating system. This paper describes prospective models for a logic computer system, and its hardware and software components. The language Concurrent Prolog serves as the single implementation, specification, and machine language. The computer system is represented as a logic programming goallogic_computer_system. Specification of the system corresponds to resolution of this goal. Clauses used to solve the goal — and ensuing subgoals — progressively refine the machine, operating system, and computer system designs. In addition, the accumulation of all clauses describing the logic operating system constitute its implementation. Logic computer systems with vastly different fundamental characteristics can be concisely specified in this manner. Two contrasting examples are given and discussed. An important characteristic of both peripheral devices and the overall computer system, whether they are restartable or perpetual, is examined. As well, a method for operational initialization of the logic computer system is presented. The same clauses which incrementally specify characteristics of the computer system also describe the manner in which this initialization takes place.     

The pulse distributed file system

A network of powerful personal computers, linked by a high-speed local area network, is being seen increasingly as an alternative to a traditional centralized time-sharing operating system. The PULSE project is investigating how such a system may be constructed to give the benefits of a self-sufficient personal computer to each user without losing the facilities for communication and sharing of data inherent in centralized systems. In particular, a distributed file system has been built which provides a single global UNIX

1 UNIX is a trademark of Bell Laboratories.

-like hierarchy, with a consistent appearance when accessed from any machine. Replicated copies of files are maintained to improve reliability, increase performance, and enable each machine to run stand-alone, albeit with reduced facilities.     

Can We Determine a Protein Structure Quickly?

Can we determine a high resolution protein structure quickly, say, in a week? I will show this is possible by the current technologies together with new computational tools discussed in this article. We have three potential paths to explore:

• X-ray crystallography. While this method has produced the most protein structures in the PDB (Protein Data Bank), the nasty trial-and-error crystallization step remains to be an inhibitive obstacle.
• NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) spectroscopy. While the NMR experiments are relatively easy to do, the interpretation of the NMR data for structure calculation takes several months on average.
• In silico protein structure prediction. Can we actually predict high resolution structures consistently? If the predicted models remain to be labeled as “predicted”, and these structures still need to be experimentally verified by the wet lab methods, then this method at best can serve only as a screening tool.

I investigate the question of “quick protein structure Determination” from a computer scientist point of view and actually answer the more relevant question “what can a computer scientist effectively contribute to this goal”.     

Multiple precision floating-point computation in FORTRAN

By splitting the mantissa of a multiple precision number into BLOCKS of constant width, it has been shown that the precision of a computer can be increased to a degree as high as we please by merely developing a FORTRAN program that can force the computer to perform all arithmetical executions up to any desired number of significant decimal places. Some of the salient features of such a programming are summarized as follows:

• 1 It reduces inherent errors arising due to approximate nature of representing in some finite number of digits a number that cannot ordinarily be represented exactly in the number of digits available with the particular installation being used.
• 2 The working of the computer proceeds just as if it were a decimal computer. Naturally we should expect better results even for the same number of digits as the computer normally takes.
• 3 It takes due care of very low/high numbers occurring in intermediate calculations as one word space is being provided to store the exponent itself.
• 4 Being problem oriented in nature, the FORTRAN language is most commonly understood by a large section of programmers. It is mainly for this reason that although it requires comparatively more time and space, one can save one's own valuable time in learning complicated assembly languages which differ from computer to computer.
• 5 It can be easily extended to complex numbers.

Here we shall be mainly concerned with the implementation aspect of the program. As regards the variability of the precision, enough flexibility is given to control the precision by changing the size of the number designate arrays.     

Automatic deductive systems—I. Chemical reaction models

Here an overview is given for the Chemical Reaction Analysis and Modeling System, CRAMS. This computer software system is designed to answer any question and process data for reaction models with any combination of rate and equilibrium reactions. Its essential characteristics are:

• 1.The interface supports a chemistry-like language that is similar to the conventional “shorthand” that is used by chemists.
• 2.Within the available memory there are no restrictions on either the complexity or size of the reaction model.
• 3.It has a PREDICTIVE facility that can be used to determine which parameters must be specified.
• 4.There are no prior assumptions about the chemistry or mathematics of the systems studied. Data collected on disparate time scales can be used; and there is an automatic Error Detection and Corrective Action, EDCA, system that ensures the accuracy of all computed numeric results.
• 5.There are pre- and post-processing facilities that permit entry of raw data and displays of selected information in a variety of ways.

     

A Distributed Real-Time Operating System

A distributed real-time operating system, Fados, has been developed for an embedded multiprocessor system. The operating system is based on a host-target approach and provides for communication between arbitrary processes on host and target machines. The facilities offered are, apart from process communication, access to the file system on the host by programs on the target machine and monitoring and debugging of programs on the target machine from the host. The process communication has been designed in such a way that the possibilities are the same as those offered by the Ada programming language. The operating system is implemented on an MC 68000 based multiprocessor system in combination with a Unix

1 Unix is a trademark of A. T. & T. Bell laboratories.

host.     

Three Paradigms of Computer Science

We examine the philosophical disputes among computer scientists concerning methodological, ontological, and epistemological questions: Is computer science a branch of mathematics, an engineering discipline, or a natural science? Should knowledge about the behaviour of programs proceed deductively or empirically? Are computer programs on a par with mathematical objects, with mere data, or with mental processes? We conclude that distinct positions taken in regard to these questions emanate from distinct sets of received beliefs or paradigms within the discipline:

• The rationalist paradigm, which was common among theoretical computer scientists, defines computer science as a branch of mathematics, treats programs on a par with mathematical objects, and seeks certain, a priori knowledge about their ‘correctness’ by means of deductive reasoning.
• The technocratic paradigm, promulgated mainly by software engineers and has come to dominate much of the discipline, defines computer science as an engineering discipline, treats programs as mere data, and seeks probable, a posteriori knowledge about their reliability empirically using testing suites.
• The scientific paradigm, prevalent in the branches of artificial intelligence, defines computer science as a natural (empirical) science, takes programs to be entities on a par with mental processes, and seeks a priori and a posteriori knowledge about them by combining formal deduction and scientific experimentation.

We demonstrate evidence corroborating the tenets of the scientific paradigm, in particular the claim that program-processes are on a par with mental processes. We conclude with a discussion in the influence that the technocratic paradigm has been having over computer science.

     

电脑远程控制全攻略

"远程控制"是通过网络由一台电脑连接到另一台远程电脑上,可以看到远程电脑的桌面并利用鼠标和键盘控制它,就象坐在远程电脑前面一样。远程控制给我们的工作带来了巨大的便利,大大提高了工作效率。但如果远程端的电脑处于关机状态怎么办?通过现有的网络技术,结合各种软件使电脑在关机状态下就可以实现远程唤醒,并进行远程控制。     

A Monte Carlo FORTRAN 200 programme for the determination of static properties of liquids vectorized to run on the CYBER 205 vector processing computer

We present a Monte Carlo programme version written in Vector-FORTRAN 200 which allows a fast computation of thermodynamic properties of dense model fluids on the CYBER 205 vector processing computer.A comparison of the execution speed of this programme, a scalar version and a vectorized molecular dynamics programme showed the following: (i) the vectorized form of the Monte Carlo programme runs about a factor of 8 faster on the CYBER 205 than the scalar version on the conventional computer CYBER 855; (ii) for small ensembles of 32–108 particles, the Monte Carlo programme is of about the velocity as the molecular dynamics one. However, for larger numbers of particles, the molecular dynamics programme is vastly faster executed on the CYBER 205 than the Monte Carlo programme, particularly when neighbour tables are used. We propose a technique to accelerate the Monte Carlo programme for larger ensembles.