This report presents a survey of iterative methods for the solution of large linear systems of algebraic equations. In particular, it focuses on systems derived as discrete counterparts to partial differential equations.

Looking back at the years that have passed since the realization of the very first electronic, multi-purpose computers, one observes a tremendous growth in hardware and software performance. Today, researchers and engi- neers have access to computing power and software that can solve numerical problems which are not fully understood in terms of existing mathemati- cal theory. Thus, computational sciences must in many respects be viewed as experimental disciplines. As a consequence, there is a demand for high- quality, flexible software that allows, and even encourages, experimentation with...