binary distribution

• limited support for clusters

  • by providing some of the tools and libraries

• ready solutions from cluster system suppliers

  • based on existing distros (RedHat, SuSE,YellowDog)
  • focus is more on stability
  • older versions of software
  • good for engineering domains

• research systems need more 'bleeding edge'

  • not easy to combine a binary distro with newer s/w (complex dependencies, library problems)