FAH: Idea, let me know what you think

[FishDog3]

I was thinking of putting together a proposal to give to my Jr. College on the idea of using the systems in their computer labs for folding. They have over 100 systems that are not used for more than typing and internet use so I figure why not have them all running FAH?

Let me know if you think this idea is feasible or if they will laugh at me :D ,and let me know if you have any good links to articles on FAH and all the good it can do, I need material to use to convince them that it would be a worthwhile venture.

fd

[Dunga Bee]

Here (http://forums.overclockers.ws/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=43188) is an excellent thread that talks about the details of the FAH project.

It would be GREAT if you could get those lab computers folding and even better if they are on team 32. :D

One thing to keep in mind that I do not believe is mentioned in that thread is that FAH is NOT bandwidth intensive AT ALL. The clients only get a small data packet from Stanford, process it, and upload the results (again a small data packet). And, when you consider that each work unit probably takes a few hours to process, that is similar to pulling down a few emails every few hours.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the client uses only CPU cycles that the PC DOES NOT NEED. So, if someone is word processing, playing a game, or whatever, they will see NO DIFFERENCE in machine performance since the FAH program runs at the lowest priority on the CPU.

Hopefully that thread plus my info will arm you with enough to convince the lab admins to allow you to install FAH on the computers.

It really is a worthwhile project and fun competition at the same time.

Good luck and let us know if you need anything else.

[Coolio]

Originally posted by FishDog3
I was thinking of putting together a proposal to give to my Jr. College on the idea of using the systems in their computer labs for folding. They have over 100 systems that are not used for more than typing and internet use so I figure why not have them all running FAH?

Let me know if you think this idea is feasible or if they will laugh at me :D ,and let me know if you have any good links to articles on FAH and all the good it can do, I need material to use to convince them that it would be a worthwhile venture.

fd

now just make sure they have adequate cooling, you wouldn't want them melting on you.

[Dunga Bee]

Good point Coolio. If they are Intel chips (guessing they are), it should be safe, but always good to check.

[MMarcDMB]

It makes me think.... I'm doing my bio class is doing a section on protiens right now, I might drop a hint to my Bio teacher about Folding@home. We could get at least him comp. running it in his room.... or more. Glad ot help for a good cause, and to help overclockers just beacuse they're cool. :)

[Ploaf]

Great ideas. Hope they go for it. :D

MMarcDMB- The bio teacher should love this idea. :) It's worth a shot.

FishDog3. The idea is feasible but they may laugh. ;) Then again maybe not. If they do do it they may want to do so under their own banner. Then again maybe not. How's that for the dumbest answer of the day? I guess it boils down to 'You'll never know unless you try'
Anyway. The link that Dunga Bee gave is good.
The Official Folding@Home site is a must if they are going to even consider it. There is a lot of good info there and maybe enough technical data to close the deal. http://folding.stanford.edu

Good luck.

[Stanman]

Originally posted by Coolio


now just make sure they have adequate cooling, you wouldn't want them melting on you.
Very good point. A lot of lower end comercial "office" computers do not have enough case ventilation and after several hours of folding will overheat and lock up. I heard of one lady putting a DC project on her HPs at work and soon started having power supply failures from heat. :)