Sorry I didn't reply to people more quickly than I did, my sister was on the computer last night! 
Right then Qaz79, the program performs scientific research on your computer, using up any wasted processor cycles. It works in the background, so you shouldn't notice any affect in processing speed etc.
I know some of you guys are a bit sceptical, but I really haven't noticed any slowing of my computer with the program running. I don't use any uber cpu-intense programs, but my games run fine even with the program running.
Like I said, it uses only the wasted cpu cycles, so if your programs are using all those cycles, the program will stop using your cpu until some ycles are free. It really shouldn't cause any problems.
Ftranschel, I understand what you mean about battery power. Such a program probably wouldn't be a good idea for laptops, but for ordinary computers people shouldn't have a problem.
It really doesn't matter how many people sign up to this - it's all in aid of scientific research, so even if one person signs up, then thats a good thing.
Obviously, the more people the better, but everyone that joins could make a world of difference. I can't force people to join, its entirely up to you, but just stop and think of what you could achieve if you run the program!
Oh, and the reason why I think it could help BOTF2, is that we can also use the site to advertise the game. We can put in a link to the site - I doubt people will object to a little publicity, would they? 
Right then, how do you use the program? This is how I set it up: (I'm assuming it is already installed)
 To run the program, you need an open internet connection so the program can send and recieve work units. It only needs the internet connection when it starts for the very first time, and whenever it completes a work unit.
If you have a Linux or Apple computer, these instructions may not apply to you. I don't have either of these computers, so i'm sorry, but you'll have to figure out how to run the program for yourself.
1] Start the program. If you've installed it, the program should either be on your desktop, or in your start->program->folding@home folder. The program's icon is a red cog.
2] Once it has started, the red cog icon should appear in your taskbar. (Bottom-right corner of the screen) If you double-click it, you'll see it working, but if you right-click it, you'll get a list of options. Select the "Configure..." button.
3] The first tab (User) is where you enter the information. Enter your chosen user name in the first box, and in the second, enter the number 46574 - this is my group number. If you enter it wrongly, your work units will get sent to the wrong group! 8O
4] Select the second tab. (Connection) These settings allow you to set how the program accesses the internet. If you select the first option, the program will always ask you if it is "allowed" to connect to the network so it can send or recieve work units. I personally do not reccommend this, since it means you will have to manually allow it to access every time, and if you leave you computer running, this will actually slow it down and render leaving your computer on pointless. If you'd rather the security of knowing what it is doing every time, then select this option.
5] The second/third checkbox is for if you use a dialup/proxy connection. If you have a dial up connection (Or a broadband connection that needs to dial to connect in the first place like me) select this option. It will save your password and username so if you aren't connected when it completes a work unit, it will connect to the internet for you.
6] The final option in this tab requires the most thought. If you select this option, you can send/recieve work units/results that are larger than 5Mb. This might not be a good idea for dialup users. If you select it to allow such work units, you will occaisionally recieve work units that are either extremely larger/complex, or you will recieve an experimental core. (The cores tell your computer how to fold the Proteins etc) Experimental cores are less stable than ordinary ones, so are more prone to failing (You lose the current work unit) or may cause the program to crash (In which case just restart it) You get a much larger number of points for such units to compensate for these risks.
7] The third tab is all about displaying the program. Most people can ignore these settings, since they only affect what you see when you double click the program icon. The molecule draw rate is how often the visualisation changes onscreen. Move it to the right to speed it up, or left to slow it down. This may increase your processor usage. The visualisation type should be self explanatory.
8] The Screensaver options should be pretty obvious as well, and these might be useful to people who leave their computer on permanently. You might also fin this useful, General.
9] The Main Title checkbox just makes text scroll on the screen, and you can enter whatever text you want in the box.
10] The logos just cause an extra icon of you choice to appear on the screen. Just follow the instructions to enter one, should you want to.
11] The final tab is also extremely important. The first option is pretty self explanatory, since they've explained it for you. Most people can set it to lowest priority, but if you have problems with the program, set it to slightly higher.
12] The CPU usage percent option is the option that has the most effect on the program. I'd recommend where possible that you set it to 100%. This will mean that the program uses all of the processor that is available to it. If you have a temperamental computer though, set it to something like 90% so you know you have some power spare.
13] The checkbox for higly optimised code may also be useful for those with laptops or those who use intensive programs. Disabling highly optimised code reduces the strain on the CPU.
14] The checkpointing frequency is how often your progress is saved. Think of it as a game and set it to save as often as possible! (Move the slider all the way to the left)
15] The pausing checkbox is for laptops, pretty self-explanatory.
16] The final option os for deadlines. Most work units have a maximum deadline for running work units. (Usually several months) If you return your work unit before this deadline, the number of points you get is increased, depending on how quickly you returned the results. If you will rarely be running the program, or won't let it run for long periods of time, select the preference for "deadlineless". Otherwise set it to to standard (Some deadlines) or no preference (Many deadlined ones, but you will obviously get more points if you complete them in time)
I hope this helps people! 
Right then...ideas for names? We only have my three and TrekBoy's ones so far.
1) The BOTF2 Folders?
2) The Folders of BOTF2?
3) Trek Folders?
4) Birth_Of_The_Federation_II
And don't forget to vote!!!
|
) with my best friend, (Authur Wonderbird) but I don't mind changing the name to something else. We have already acquired almost 2,500 points, and he doesn't mind changing the name of our group. (He isn't a Trek fan though!