Distributed computing....

[pam123]

Anyone here involved?
I'm really curious about the folding proteins problem but what will happen to my computer if I download the stuff?
Anyone here have problems or warnings to pass along?
The advice doesn't all have to be negative but I need a layman's advice on what to expect.

[BFD Deadeye]

I run SETI@home in the background all the time. I've competed a total of 113 units @ 1377 hours of CPU time. It has never gave me a problem. It simply uses spare CPU cycles, so it doesn't interfere with any program or game you run.

I also run UD (cancer research) as a screen saver. It's never created a problem either.

[doctorgonzo]

I run SETI@Home as well, and I have never had any problems either. A good use for otherwise non-utilized CPU time.

[DrZaius]

Hi pam123,

I currently run Genome@home on 3 systems. It's like SETI@home except that it uses the CPU cycles to process for the genome project and I would really recommend it. The client is easy to use, you just install it and it will automatically begin to download and process the code. You don't need to do anything else, it will start when Windows starts and run in the background. And if your computer is not connected to the net when it's done processing one unit, it will keep working on the same unit until it detects a connection and can download a new unit and return the results. Hope that helps.

[pam123]

Thanks guys!
I was really interested but wasn't sure what I was letting myself in for.
Now, all I have to do is pick one.

[fatboyjim]

I run UD (search for a cure for cancer) from http://www.ud.com

or the download at http://www.ud.com/download/gold

thanks (get it, it's great )

[Tiretool]

Another Seti@Home addict. Got 3 systems crunching numbers for me.

[fatboyjim]

I can't personally see the point in SETI. Find the cure for cancer or realise how LITTLE the amount of space you are searching is?

I know what I would choose (and have chosen )

[doctorgonzo]

Originally posted by fatboyjim I can't personally see the point in SETI. Find the cure for cancer or realise how LITTLE the amount of space you are searching is? I know what I would choose (and have chosen )

I knew we would get here: arguing about which distributed project has more "worth."

Well, I use SETI because I like SETI. Do I worry about whether it has a point? I do not. I think it does have a point, and whether searching for aliens is "better" than searching for a cure for cancer is up to the individual. If you want to argue about who is helping the world more, why are you typing in front of a computer instead of donating your time and money to the poor right now? We each make our own decisions based on our belief system.

[KR0316]

Originally posted by doctorgonzo I knew we would get here: arguing about which distributed project has more "worth." Well, I use SETI because I like SETI. Do I worry about whether it has a point? I do not. I think it does have a point, and whether searching for aliens is "better" than searching for a cure for cancer is up to the individual. If you want to argue about who is helping the world more, why are you typing in front of a computer instead of donating your time and money to the poor right now? We each make our own decisions based on our belief system.

Very very well said DoctorGonzo. I run SETI and I really don't care if it has a point I like it. Why did it turn into an argument all Pam did was ask some advise. Then it turns into whose involvement in helping the world more.

[Tiretool]

We had quite a few people doing the Seti thing at one time. There are only a few who's numbers continue to grow though. I think alot of them decided to do something else with their unused cpu cycles.

Alf Hunters of PC Mech Check it out, and join if you want!

[HAL9000]

Hmmm.. maybe if we find the Aliens, they will give us a cure for cancer?

[fatboyjim]

Thanks for breaking the proverbial ice there HAL. Thought I was in the crap for a while there

Sorry, after re-reading my post I realise it could be misconstrued as deliberately rude. I was trying to make my point but I shouldn't have done it like that.

Sorry, and thanks again,

[juppy]

Originally posted by HAL9000 Hmmm.. maybe if we find the Aliens, they will give us a cure for cancer?

ROFLMAO! Too funny HAL! Hey! Maybe after they give us the cure for cancer they can also give us the reason for why underwear always turns inside out in the dryer!

[HAL9000]

And where the one sock goes

[GerBa]

I am running UD and have 65 days+ CPU time on it. I don't happen to run SETI or any of the other projects but thats not to say I wouldn't, just that right now I want to do UD because it makes me feel good to do it.

Who knows you guys might find that alien with a cure for cancer your one sock and wearing your underware inside out. Good luck.