Distributed computing is when many computers work together to complete a very large calculation. It is an alternative to using large super computers. Scientists use distributed computing for many worthy scientific and humanitarian tasks, such as hunting for gravitational waves, running climate models, or searching for cures for cancer. By simply downloading a program and having it run when your computer is idle, you can participate in such projects. After setting up the program, it downloads and uploads the data automatically. Make sure to go to preferences and set them to what you are comfortable with (CPU usage, network usage, etc).
I've set up teams for each project for the Center for Inquiry organization that I work with. Please join them if you can.
Platforms:
1. BOINC (windows, mac, linux)
http://boinc.berkeley.edu/
Initially designed for SETI@Home, it has since expanded and runs many other science projects.
- A list of projects can be found here
- Many projects use nVidia or ATI GPUs to speed up calculations.
2. World Community Grid (windows, mac, linux)
http://www.worldcommunitygrid.org/
It focuses on humanitarian and medical projects.
- This can be run through BOINC (see above), or through a standalone platform.
- List of WCG projects:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Community_Grid#Active_projects
3. Folding@Home (windows, mac, linux, ps3)
http://folding.stanford.edu/ (http://folding.stanford.edu/)
This program runs one project, and it focuses on simulating protein folding.
- CFI team code: 173631
- PS3 installing FAQ: http://folding.stanford.edu/English/FAQ-PS3 (http://folding.stanford.edu/English/FAQ-PS3)
- PS3 will complete tasks much faster than regular computers
Sweet. So awesome. I just wish that I still had internet at home.
I used to have one of these set up a while back.
It's a good cause, just make sure it's a legit one and not some faker trying to get your stuffs.
Quote from: "Mari"I used to have one of these set up a while back.
It's a good cause, just make sure it's a legit one and not some faker trying to get your stuffs.
If its through the BOINC platform, then it should be legit. You can also check up on them here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_di ... g_projects (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_distributed_computing_projects)