Normally, if you are browsing around on the web, or you are doing some small time programming, your cpu level should be around 1-2%. But lately, I have had much cpu activity for no apparent reason. Just now, the strain to my cpu went as high as 90%. I was just editing some code.
Issuing a "top" command at the command prompt, I saw that a process called "parallel" was eating away cpu cycles. After killing the proces, cpu activity drops considerably, but hangs around at 23-24%. Still way to high. Issuing another "top" command refeels that another process "parallel" has started.
What's going on here? I have noticed this a few days ago, but I can''t figure out what to do.
Please help.

When you happen to spot the 'parallel' guy being a CPU hog, run ps -laxfww and post the output to this forum to see if we can derive any pointers as to where it roots are.

Thanks for your replie. I will do this as soon as it happens.