Grid computing aims to share computer processing power between large numbers of computers over a network. It is so called as it distributes computing power in the same way (metaphorically) as the electricity network distributes electrical power. Computers in a grid can be in different locations in different institutes. By combining the CPU of a large number of computers, a virtual super computer can be created which can make short-term use of idle CPU in all the machines on the network. Grids can also be used to share access to specialist equipment such as telescopes and to share large quantities of distributed data.
Grids are increasingly being used in Scientific Computing. Professor David Britton of Glasgow University’s Physics and Astronomy department will discuss grids and grid computing at the Alchemist Café on March 12th 2008 in The Mercantile, Dame Street, Dublin at 7:45pm. Admission is free. Further details from http://www.alchemistcafedublin.com/
March 10th, 2008
Dublin’s Alchemist Café is part of the Café Scientifique network which meet regularly to hear scientists or writers on science talk about their work and discuss it with diverse audiences. For the price of a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, anyone can come to explore the latest ideas in science and technology.
Café Scientifique is a forum for debating science issues, not a shop window for science. It aims to promote public engagement with science and to make science accountable. Alchemist Café is hosting two events in The Mercantile, Dame Street, in October:
Magic or Maths? – Monday, October 15th @ 7:45
Andrew Jeffrey: Award-winning Magician and one of England’s top Mentalists. Is he magical, a mind-reader, a mathematician or just mad? Probably a bit of all four, to be honest, but why not find out for yourself? Andrew will amaze you with his seemingly impossible feats, many of which work by the use of simple but well-disguised mathematical principles.
Planning for Future Climate Change in Ireland – Wednesday, October 17th @ 7:45
Dr. John Sweeney of NUI Maynooth will discuss what Ireland needs to do to cope with climate change. Irrespective of any attempts at mitigation, Irish climate is set to change significantly over the next few decades. How can we anticipate where and by how much this is going to occur? This talk addresses the question of how global scale musings about climate change can be brought down to a regional and local level in a manner in which policymakers, engineers and individuals can plan for in order to ensure that Ireland positions itself to adapt to, and thus become a potential winner rather than loser, from the climate changes, which are imminent.
Further info from http://www.alchemistcafedublin.com/
October 8th, 2007