Large computer system for execution of parallel computer processes is based on an installed base of large number of set-top boxes that form a readily available computing resource

摘要

Very large computer system comprises a multiplicity of individual computers operated in a parallel manner. The invention relates particularly to a network of set-top boxes that are provided to television users for interactive, digital and multimedia purposes. The installed numbers of such units, which are effectively individual computers with very similar design, is in the range of 100s of thousands to millions, which provides a very large computer system for processing of parallel computer processes. An Independent claim is made for a method for carrying out a large number of parallel computer processes on a very large network of set-top boxes.