Parallel processing is speedy and efficient.

The technology that makes the fastest computers so fast--parallel processing--is starting to wend its way from the research community into personal computers. Rudolf Eigenmann, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind., is helping speed that delivery by finding ways to coax more speed and efficiency from computers and computer programs. He works primarily with high-performance computers used in academia and research--the souped-up, super-fast models that are about 1,000,000 times faster than the average personal computer. More computing speed could lead to more accurate weather predictions, new computer-designed drugs, safer and more aerodynamic cars and planes, and sophisticated simulations for disaster prediction and recovery.

Eigenmann has developed a computer program, called a compiler, that automatically translates conventional computer programs so they can run on a parallel processing computer, which makes the program run faster. The compiler can't be used on PC programs yet, but he says it may be only a matter of time.

The main difference between a parallel processing machine and a typical personal computer is the number of microprocessors, or chips. A personal computer usually has one microprocessor. As manufacturers have packed more tiny circuits on each chip, the...