Are DogForum.org members willing to use their computers to make a difference?

[Taeric]

There is an ongoing project that utilizes personal computers to make a real difference in the world. It is completely secure, it does not disrupt your computer when you are actively using it, and if you are able to read this message, you have enough technical skills to participate.

The question is, are you willing to spend a few minutes setting up your computer to do some good for the world? We have started an official DogForum.org team to join the tens of thousands of teams around the world participating in this cause. I sincerely hope that many of you will choose to help out. It's amazing how much good can be done with so little effort, and it would be an excellent way for our community to contribute to the greater good.

Here (http://www.dogforum.org/showthread.php?p=7162#post7162) is the info you need to get started. If you have any questions, please post them in the Folding@Home forum (http://www.dogforum.org/forumdisplay.php?f=25).

[BratBoxers]

I'm not going to say yes or no. I defiantly need more info. Sounds fun and interesting tho.

[lassie]

yep more info Taeric plz

[Dani66]

more info please

[Taeric]

This project is headed by Stanford University and is doing research on the behavior of proteins, which has the potential to lead to treatments and even cures of some of the worst diseases out there (you name it, their research likely touches upon it). Is this day and age, it's unlikely that anyone does not know at least one person who has been affected by one of the diseases this research hopes to cure.

There are literally hundreds of thousands of individuals who are contributing to this very worthy cause. On our sister site, overclock.net, our team has about 300 active members and currently ranks 49th in the world out of thousands of teams in terms of contributions. Less than two years ago, that team celebrated it's 10th member; it just goes to show that a team doesn't have to start large to make a difference. We often say "every little bit helps", and it's very true.

[brunosmom]

What actually would be involved?
Answering questions?
Donation?
Or is this something where they track your movement on internet?
I don't understand what is involved with "proteins"?

[Taeric]

It's nothing like that; there's no catch involved. There's a small program that you download, and setup takes just a minute or two. It communicates with the servers at Stanford every day or two to download new work and upload results. It uses only idle clock cycles, which means that when your computer is busy doing other things, the program takes a break so that it does not slow things down.

By proteins, I'm talking about this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protein) kind of thing. The research specifically studies the way they behave, and more importantly, misbehave.

[brunosmom]

:osure count me in too.....

[Taeric]

I set up our team. Our site has officially joined over 50,000 other teams in this cause. Once we get a few more interested members, I'll post info on how to get started.

[Doberman's]

I have a question about this.

I use dial up ( BOO HISS ) because we can't get DSL or cable out in the country.:mad: If I was to join this team I worry that it will slow down my already slow connection. How will it affect my connection ?

[Taeric]

The software needs to connect to the Internet periodically to transmit work back and forth. This usually is only necessary every few days, and the transfers can be limited to less than 5 MB. You can also set the software to ask permission to connect.

So yes, it will use your connection, though only occasionally and only with your permission.

[Doberman's]

Actually I meant will it slow it down ?

[Taeric]

During the course of the transfers, it will since it will be actively using the connection. The other 99%+ of the time, it will have no contact with the outside world and will not affect your connection speed.

[Doberman's]

Cool, let me think about it. :D

[skunkstripe]

OK I gotta ask---it sounds like a worthy cause. My concern is with the remote access becasue of the garbage that is out there like keyloggers, etc. Can you say a little bit about security?

[Taeric]

We now have a dedicated Folding@Home Forum (http://www.dogforum.org/forumdisplay.php?f=25), and instructions are posted there. Please ask any and all questions you have.

[brunosmom]

OK Taeric
:confused: I gotta ask "What is Folding?"
I just notice it above your avatar .....

[Taeric]

OK Taeric
:confused: I gotta ask "What is Folding?"
I just notice it above your avatar .....
You get a cookie for being the first to ask. :)

Check here (http://www.dogforum.org/showthread.php?t=743) for some info on the basics of the projects and how to get started on it.

In a nutshell, it's a project through Stanford University that's conducting medical research. Hundreds of thousands of volunteers from around the world, just like us, are contributing their unused computer time to help the research (when you are busy using the computer, their programs automatically takes a break, and it resumes when the computer is available).

This is really a wonderful cause, and nearly everyone's life has been affected by people who are suffering from the diseases this research is helping to cure. It's safe and easy; anyone who has enough computer skills to browse the Internet knows enough to set up and contribute to this program.

[brunosmom]

ok, I downloaded the software....I guess I'm folding now....yeah!

[Taeric]

ok, I downloaded the software....I guess I'm folding now....yeah!
Welcome aboard! :)

[Taeric]

Bump