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I was shocked to learn that OpenMosix is closed. Can you suggest any similar free tool for linux.

For those who don't know, OpenMosix is

a software package that turns networked computers running GNU/Linux into a cluster. It automatically balances the load between different nodes of the cluster, and nodes can join or leave the running cluster without disruption of the service. The load is spread out among nodes according to their connection and CPU speeds.

The nicest part is that you don't need to link your programs with any special libraries neither do you need to modify your programs. Just "fork and forget".

Another nice (but not must have) feature is the fact that it doesn't have to be installed on dedicated computers, but can sit on various desktop computers in your organization/lab/home etc.

I'm aware of the names of several possible solutions (for example). I'm looking for personal experience and/or nice reviews

EDIT Mosix, the predecessor of OpenMosix, used to be free (as free beer). However, now it costs money

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up vote 2 down vote accepted

I'm not sure how it compares feature-wise to OpenMosix, but Rocks is an open source cluster Linux distro.

From the website:


You may want to listen to this episode of FLOSS Weekly that is all about Rocks.

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Shamelessly ripped from the Beowulf mailing list:

OpenSSI or

Mosix If you don't need a fully open-source solution and is a non-profit.

For a much more in-depth discussion check out this thread: Beowulf - open mosix alternative

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Mosix, the predecessor of OpenMosix, used to be free (as free beer). However, now it costs money –  bgbg Nov 10 '08 at 19:59
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The closet similar free solution to the openMosix technology is Kerrighed.

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