random_pvm is a C source demo/template for generating random numbers using a PVM master/slave program. It is derived from the C source project template also available from rgb's website. It was written for a Cluster World Magazine column, and although it is freely available and GPL'd users are encouraged to subscribe to the magazine to get all sorts of other goodies that come with every issue.

random_pvm actually installs from the tarball ONLY. In most cases a program template I write will create a workable rpm, but it isn't really desireable to install this demo in a rootspace /usr/share/pvm3 directory so although the make targets are there (and might even work, although I doubt it) I advise against messing with them.

To build it, create or change to your source directory (I use $HOME/Src but suit yourself), put random_pvm.tgz there and unpack it:

 tar xvfz random_pvm.tgz

(and it should verbosely unpack).

Change to the random_pvm directory. There is a random_pvm.1 man page there that gives instructions on how to build and install and use the program. (Basically stuff like make, make install, and then running the program.) Remember to start pvm and build a virtual machine (instructions NOT included herein) before trying to run the program, and make sure that the random_pvm_slave program is installed in the appropriate place on all the nodes.

If you have any fundamental trouble getting it working, let me know and I'll try to help you. My email address is rgb@phy.duke.edu.