What are the advantages of a batch scheduler?
The main advantage is that a user does not have to specify which node(s) a job is to be run on. The batch system will select the least loaded node(s) appropriate for the job. Since it is not likely a user will know which nodes are not loaded, failure to submit your job as a batch job may result in your job running on nodes that are already heavily loaded. Moreover, since the load on any individual node can change dramatically between the time that a job is submitted and the time that it reaches the front of a queue, there is little chance that a user can select the most appropriate node(s). The capability of the batch system to restrict jobs nodes that are appropriate is also an advantage for administration, since it allows for better accounting and tracking of jobs.
