This practical introduction shows how to solve complex problems on multiprocessor systems. It examines the techniques involved, presents a methodology for applying them, and demonstrates how their correct usage should improve system performance. Case studies of real problems are also included. The text begins by covering the background to parallel processing, and then goes on to introduce the concepts of parallel problem implementation, providing guidelines for exploiting parallelism within a given problem. Techniques are presented for assisting in the implementation of one's own problem on a multiprocessor system, using case studies for illustration. The text concludes by unifying the ideas developed, and providing a methodology for complex problems.