UNDERSTANDING PARALLEL SUPERCOMPUTING is an exhaustive, applications-oriented survey of the world's largest and fastest computers. Beginning with the evolution of parallel supercomputing technology in recent history, author R. Michael Hord goes on to illustrate architectural concepts and implementations at the very center of today's cutting-edge technology. Topics featured include: technology benefits and drawbacks, software tools and programming languages, major programming concepts, sample parallel programs, algorithmic methods, both SIMD and MIMD architectures. This carefully written text will be of interest to engineers, scientists, and program managers involved in geologic exploration, aircraft design, image processing, weather modeling, operations, research, chemical synthesis, and medical applications. It will also be of practical use to computer specialists.