Yes, PVM is on the ISO, but I have not tried it out. I do know that MPICH and LAM/MPI work properly.

The web page has the link to the latest version.

Exactly what makes a cluster a Beowulf, and whether the distinction is important or not, is not perfectly clear to me. But I think that parallelknoppix sets up a Beowulf-style cluster. I don't think that the issue is too important. Basically, parallelknoppix will set up a cluster to allow subsequent MPI work, using LAM, MPICH, and probably PVM.

The main characteristic of parallelknoppix is that it lets you set up a Linux cluster on IA32 machines, without any permanent alterations to them. I use it at my university to do cluster work in a computer room that is ordinarily used by students, running windows. Also I have a special version that lets me collect junky old computers and incorporate them into my personal cluster in my office without having to install anything on them. Makes it easy to maintain and expand the cluster.

For permanent multi-user clusters, there are better solutions out there. Parallelknoppix is not secure, so an untrusted or incompetent user could do damage to any computer in the cluster. That limits the multi-user attractiveness. For permanence for a single user, it's what I use.

M.