How to program parallel processors: Software developers must divide problems into manageable chunks and ensure efficient communications between computing elements

Parallel processors are mighty machines — if harnessed properly by programmers. The principle of parallel processing is simple: if one microprocessor can execute a million instructions per second, then 100 of them operating in concert should be able to execute 100 million instructions in the same amount of time. When processors are not properly coordinated, however, a multiprocessor machine may take longer to finish a job than a uniprocessor.