BJC unit 5 labs 1-2 part 1

Problem

A general description of a task that may (or may not) be solved algorithmically.

Instance

One case of a problem with specific inputs.

Decision problem

A type of problem with a true/false answer.

Optimization problem

A problem with the goal of finding the best solution among many.

Sequential computing

A computational model in which operations are performed in order one at a time.

Parallel computing

A computational model in which the problem is broken into smaller steps, some of which are performed at the same time.

Distributed computing

A form of parallel computing that uses multiple computers, perhaps even spread out around the world.

Processor

A piece of circuitry inside a computer that processes the instructions from computer programs.

Speedup

How many times as fast the parallel solution is compared to the sequential solution.

Simulation

Computer representations of real things or situations that vary over time.