Simple distributed example for learning purposes?

[r0g]

Tim Golden wrote:
> Nobody wrote:
>> On Sat, 26 Dec 2009 20:06:02 +0000, Tim Golden wrote:
>>
>>> I'm trying to come up with something which will illustrate
>>> the usefulness of a distributed processing model. Since I
>>> may not be using the term "distributed" exactly, my
>>> criteria are:
>>>
>>> * It should be clear that the application produces results
>>> sooner when run via multiple cooperating computers than when run on one.
>>> * The problem being solved should be broadly comprehensible by
>>> the students. This rules out some abstruse mathematical
>>> calculation which would benefit from multiple processors but
>>> which will fail to engage their interest.
>>
>> Rendering fractals? Easy to parallelise, easy to code, easy to make slow
>> enough that the speed-up is noticeable.
>>
> 
> Thanks. I'll add that to the list of possibilities.
> 
> TJG




Distributed password cracking? It's really simple yet potentially
engaging and could be a good segway into teaching them about
computability and security. All you need is a bunch of password hashes
and a wordlist.

Roger.