title: Free Linux Cluster Build for Small Scale Reseach
body: <p>I need to build a small cluster for my research. It's pretty humble and I'd like to build a cluster just with my other 3 laptops at home. </p>
  
  <p>I'm writing in C++. My codes in MPI framework are ready. I can simulate them using visual studio 2010 and they're fine. Now I want to see the real thing.</p>
  
  <p>I want to do it free (I'm a student). I have ubuntu installed and I wonder:</p>
  
  <ol>
  <li>if I could build a cluster using ubuntu. I couldn't find a clear answer to that on the net. </li>
  <li>if not, is there a free linux distro that I can use at building cluster?</li>
  <li>I also wonder if I have to install ubuntu, or the linux distro on the host machine to all other laptops. Will any other linux distribution (like openSUSE) work with the one at the host machine? Or do all of them have to be same linux distro?</li>
  </ol>
  
  <p>Thank you all.</p>