BBCD - Bootable Cluster CD

The BCCD, also known as the Bootable Cluster CD, was designed to assist in the teaching of parallel computing fundamentals and paradigms. Instructors often struggle with the lack of resources and time to preconfigure and test the necessary distributed computing environments. However, the BCCD image solves this problem by providing a non-destructive overlay that allows for a complete parallel computing environment to run on any workstation-class system, including Macs.

While similar to diskless solutions like the Warewulf project and Cluster Knoppix, the BCCD is intended to be highly customizable and convenient for specific institution needs. Additionally, the "gar" build system sets the BCCD apart from other projects by allowing an entire image to be built from net-fetched sources in just two hours.

Compared to mass-imaging clustering projects like OSCAR, NPACI-Rocks, and Cluster in a box, the BCCD has two distinctive features: it is non-destructive and educational. The BCCD is intended to be booted over currently-configured systems, reverting back to the original state upon reboot. Additionally, the focus is on teaching students about the educational aspects of High-Performance Computing, emphasizing application building, configuration, and running.