Folding@home participation.
 

I apologize if this post is in the wrong place in the forums. And do not want to cannibalize any team that may already exist in these forums. I realize that some may think this is spam, but I am only trying to help find donations of free CPU cycles to a worthwhile cause. I am asking all visitors here to consider joining Team MacOS X (1971). Currently we are growing in numbers and rank and are trying to gain more recognition for Macs and MacOS X as an excellent platform for distributed computing projects. At present we are in an US (Mac) vs. THEM (PC) battle with Team Silent PC Review. Please think about contributing to this project. The Pande Group released a new Altivec enhanced version of the core in October 2003 that speeds up WU processing considerably on G3, G4, and G5 processors. Nearly on par with PC folding machines. Feel free to drop by our forums and check things out. Thanks again for your time and consideration.

http://noahj.homeunix.com/

Thanks to all those that have joined in our effort in the last week. We have grown too big for our former hosting site and have moved to a faster connection. Check out the new home at the link below. Thanks again.


http://www.TeamMacOSX.org

I'm thinking about joining, my machine (dual 450) is usually on all day while I'm at work, in case I need to access some files or something. I would be happy to lend some cycles.

Couple of questions:

Is there only one client to choose from?

Do I need to be "approved" to join?

No. You have a choice of 3 different clients. Command line client (recommended on dual machines because you can run 1 client for each processor to get maximum benefit) just does the computation in no nonsense text form. Graphical user interface (GUI) client will display a graphic of the protein being worked on. Screensaver client will display the graphic as the protein is being worked on. All 3 clients will only process as idle, meaning if you have more intensive apps to use it will step out of the way and let the other apps use up max amount of processing cycles. Please visit the team home page and especially our forums. Most of your questions will be answered in the FAQs or by one of many members that frequent the forums. Software is available on the team site to get you up and running in no time. No need for approval, only a need for enthusiasm and willingness to join in the science of finding a cure for many protein related diseases and disorders. Thanks for posting and expressing an interest.

Hey, thanks! I'm Longtooth on the team. Glad to be helping out, lets kick the Maximum PC guys butts!

:D

Last time I had @Home installed it crashed my OS X installation and I had to start from scratch, it wouldn't wake from sleep. Has any progress been made on the client?

well, it seems to be running nicely.. after a few hours i'm at 6% of my first unit :)

The only issue I have is that when I check 'top' the app is taking between 96% and 104% of the processor.. perhaps that's what caused your mishap before?

I would prefer to find out beforehand if my machine is going to stop working ;)

dave1212, thanks for joining the team! I look forward to seeing you in the team forums and watching you rise through the ranks!

DarkSaint, I have F@h installed on 7 different Macs ranging from an iBook 12" 500MHz to a QuickSilver MDD Dual 1.25Ghz and run them 24/7 with zero difficulties. All are running Jaguar 10.2.8 or Panther 10.3.2, again with no problems. The newest version of F@h is 4.0 so things have come a long way. Which client had you installed CLI, GUI, or Screensaver? I run only the CLI clients for maximum efficiency. Please let me know if you have any more questions, or stop by the team forums and have a look around. Thanks for your renewed interest.

dave1212, are you running the CLI or GUI version of the client. Again, to maximize your DP 450 I would recommend going with the CLI version so that way a different machine ID can be assigned to each processor and you will be able to do twice the amount of work. If you run the GUI version you are only using a single processor. Check out the team forums for scripts or a crontab that will do all the setup for you. Fold on!

This was probably many months ago? Or perhaps the screensaver version?

Both the clients and the cores have been totally re-written in recent months. They have also been optimized for us Mac users and we are now very competitive.

Give it a try. I think that you will like it. If you experience any problems, post here, drop me a line, or visit the Team Forums. It's a really interesting group over there - guys and gals from all over the world.

Hmm, seems like this dude iMacaholic is here at the same time that I am.:)

The F@H core is specifically designed to take up to 100% of your uP cycles. These are the cycles that are not being required by the System or your apps - and only them - i.e. wasted otherwise. You're just donating your unused cycles.

Run top again and launch any app. Watch what happens to the Core. Neat thing is that you can even run processor intensive apps and games without degradation caused by F@H. I love this!

The major reason that all of us are involved is that this is a very sound and respected scientific effort. Check out the main page at Stanford. This research may result in discoveries during our lifetimes that will benefit us all.

Thank you very much for your interest. (Stanford's Pande Group thanks you also).

It's a small world after all! The more the merrier I say! :D

Hey all, thanks for the ideas and tips, iMacaholic, I probably will start using the CLI version soon, and I am very happy to be a part of Team Mac OS X.

top verified what you had said, KA4EYT, as I launched iTunes F@H dropped to 40%.


Looking forward to hopping on the forums over there and eventually getting the CLI version going! :D

May I say thank you very much? The TEAM is pleased to have you aboard!

Any other volunteers? It's a scientifically sound project at Stanford University with an excellent reputation.
It's neater than that. It actually dropped to 100% minus the total requirements of top, iTunes, Window Man, kernel_tas, ATSServer, and ALL other processes. I monitored it frequently with "top" when I first started folding. (I am like that) It's extremely well coded. Try PS or a heavy game.:)

are there any issues involved if migrating from the GUI version to the CLI version? can one use the same username to keep statistical information valid?

Yeah, it was the screensaver version. I didn't want to take another risk in case the same problem was in all versions of @Home, but I may give it a try again.

Edit: Just signed up and got the CLI client, works fine. Do you all mind if my PC also helps the Macs here out? :)

The only major issue is never, I repeat, never run the GUI again. Delete it from your system. The CLI should have automatically picked up your username and Team (which we hope is 1971). You can check this by taking a peek at FAHlog.txt.

If you see a problem, which I doubt you will, drop into our Forums and post in the Help thread. You should get a response almost immediately as we monitor our boards on almost a 24 hour basis. (It's great having so many International members among us - they are often active when we're in bed).

We can also get your CLI tweaked to maximize your production (and enjoyment).

Thanks for joining the project! Be prepared to become a "folding addict". We have Counselors available if this occurs. :)

Bummer! That was a while back. The core was recently optimized for OS X - Altivec enabled which makes a huge difference. Folding is now considerably more interesting and fun for us Mac folks. Zero problems for me after many months and on many boxen. :)The CLI is slick, isn't it? Read about the flags if you haven't done so already.

As far as the PC is concerned, our guidelines are: "we fold with what we have available". Let's see, I have 1, 2, 3, , , .... Macs and 1, 2, 3, , ,.... of some other strange boxen here. The latter have weird OS's - some look like XB or something like that and then there are some that say Linus, or Limux. Get the picture? :)

Macs Rule! PCs know how to fold too.

Thanks for rejoining the project. It is excellent science and is being conducted by a very reputable group at Stanford University.

I must inquire.....Any More Volunteers? :cool:

I just joined your team... coming over from team OS X. I also downloaded the new 4.0 client upgrading from 3.25 I think.

You will like the new client. It is really slick and very tightly coded. Welcome to our TEAM! Please drop by our site, register, and meet some of the great guys and gals.

That said:
I want to make it perfectly clear to everyone reading this that we are NOT soliciting those from other active Mac F@H teams. This is strictly against our Team Policy. We are soliciting those who are not presently active with F@H, or with any other scientifically sound Distributed Computing Project for that matter.

There are a huge number of "Folders" who are not associated with any team at all. They simply donate their otherwise unused cycles to a good cause and do it anonymously. I did this for quite a while before finding a home with TEAM MAC OSX. If anyone reading this is a part of this so called Team 0, we would welcome them. The reason is that those associated with a team typically have a longer tenure with the project, so the project would probably benefit. The Project is what it's all about.

There is competition between teams. It is strictly "friendly competition" with only a few notable exceptions which do not include Mac teams.

Drop by our Forums and look around as a Guest. If you like what you see, please consider joining us.

Members and readers of MACOSXHINTS make great folders, mainly due to their intimate familiarity with our much beloved platform. A large number of our members, including me, are daily visitors to this site. We want more of us! :) - - Please?

Being anoter From TeamMacOSX and also one who left Team OS X over a year ago let me just say that we are not activily soliciting from any team as KA4EYT says. However, we will not deny any who wish to join from other teams as well. I left Team OS X because there was no community at the time for me and TeamMacOSX certainly had that.

Now it is my team in many different ways and I have never regretted my decision. You are welcome to join, but do not feel as though we are trying to take you from your current team.

That being said, we are currently trying to put some real distance between us and team SPCR (Silent PC Review). They are talking some real smack about Mac Users and me as well. Anyone who wants to complete our smackdown to that band of Mostly Mac despising PC users please join us today. We passed them a few days ago and they have put forth an effort to retake their lead over us. We don't want that to happen!

A taste of what they have to say about us Mac Users:

Lets keep the pie whole and throw it in their faces instead! :mad:

Thanks for joining up with us staypuft. Yes, I agree, we are not trying to cannibalize any other folding teams. But if other currently folding comrades are looking for something more, then look around to see what fits your spirit. Competition is what makes the whole project more entertaining. The science is fascinating and making great progress towards its goal, but having a team 'community' helps to foster discussion and greater interest in spreading the word about the project. Thanks again to one and all that have recently joined or are already part of this great project! Fold on!

Questions about GUI application.
 

Hi. I joined a few days ago and have completed two at this point (using the GUI version). Thanks for the tip about it.

Question 1: I was about 60% through with the third when a Command-Q meant for another application closed the GUI application. Does this screw things up in any way for the team or the project? I wish it would have asked me if I really wanted to quit, but it was still my fault.

Question 2: Is the command-line version faster than the GUI version?

Thank you.

Question 1: It should not affect the progression of the work unit. Once you start the client up again it will start at the last save point (usually about every 15 minutes). So don't be alarmed!

Question 2: The CLI version is no non-sense data crunching so it will run a little faster since no graphics are needed to be processed and drawn. I will see if I can find some 'hard' numbers for comparisons. Most 'power' folders use the CLI version because it allows more fine tuning and you can take advantage of a second processor if you have a dual processing machine. Which translates to running 2 clients at the same speed (you get 2 times the work done in the same amount of processing time).

Thanks for joining the fold! Be sure to stop by the team forums for more FAQs. Fold on!

Just got both of my processors on the job for team 1971!

Sweet setup! I'm still saving my pennies for the next dual G5 speed demon they release. Thanks for joining up! Be sure to stop by the forum and see what's happening. Fold on my friend!

Count me in...
 

I just signed up to join your team.

Unforetunately, my 12" PB isn't the ideal platform for this (it spends alot of it's time in my backpack traveling and when it's being used, it's being used for pretty demanding stuff). In it's place my P3-733mhz Dell has graciously agreed to do some folding work in it's spare time. This comp is my main desktop and thus is on practically 24/7.

My 800mhz Athlon is still deciding =)

Thanks for joining! Always glad to see some new members! Be sure to check out the team forums and register. We all look forward to seeing you there. Always some lively discussion there, lots of great tips, a potpourri of information. What more could you ask for?! :) Fold on my friend!

Re: Count me in...
 

Thank you very much lilrabbit129!

We hope to see you in the TEAM Forums soon - here.

Just today, we had a Psychiatrist sign on as a TEAM member - true story (and a really nice fellow).

May I schedule an emergency appointment with him? Your Athlon is quite obviously in need of professional counseling! :) :rolleyes:

John

For others reading this - please check out the project, perhaps starting here. Consider joining up - TEAM 1971. It really is a worthy cause.

he's in...
 

My Athlon decided to join the party, and he brought my gf's p3-800 along with him.

He can only work nights though, but he's pettitioned for some 24hour time in the future.

My gf's PC on the other-hand has the day shift. Unforetunately because of previous health reasons (failed HD), she's strictly a day runner.

My gf's 12" PB unforetunately cannot join the party, for the same reasons as mine.

PS: I'm asking around my college if we can put folding@home in some of the lab computers, specially the new 2.4ghz p4s. I'm also hoping to put it on my work comp, a dual 3ghz xeon.

Hmmm, I am sensing some symptoms of "Folding Addiction". You may want to consult with one of our professional advisors in our Forums here.

They will teach you a simple mantra-like solution such as softly repeating "I am not a folding addict...I am not a folding addict......" while they encourage you to buy, borrow and steal (Oops! forget "steal") additional computers to bring to this very worthwhile task. :)

We bring what we have available to this project. You will like the production of that P4. It produces about 100 points per day. I'll let you find out what the 3 GHz xeon dualie can do by yourself.

The dual 2 GHz G5s scream at folding. I want a few more!

If you need any assistance in your current "project", let me know or post in the Forums! Tell all your friends about us too...

I can post some very interesting links into the Stanford project for you. Want? Ask....

Fold on!......

They say that the first step towards recovery is admitting you have a problem. Well, that is what 'they' say. But I see no problem here. :) Thanks for bringing more power to the project. I have a Dual Xeon 3.06 (OCed to 3.17) and it cranks out pretty good numbers. Last check was about 245 points per day. Be sure to check if Hyperthreading (HT) is enabled. This will boost your point output by about 10-15%. Also it would be best to run the CLI client on the Xeon, this will allow 4 instances of the client to run SIMULTANEOUSLY! :eek: Watch that lilrabbit run! If you need any assistance just ask at the team forums. Fold on my fleet footed friend!

Note: iMacaholic aka Macaholic in our Forums is our senior most professional advisor. He is also the one who taught me the mantra that I mentioned.

This is an example of the quick response that TEAM members receive when they have no problems - as the good doctor indicates.

None of us are folding addicts.....none of us are folding addicts..... :)

We promise not to bite (at least not hard) if you want to participate in other parts of the site beyond this thread. :D

Yes sir!

Craig - I am not a newbie invading your site as a "zealous folder". I have been here since my old dial-up days on a regular basis. I was one of your many voracious "lurkers" until recently. Your logs may show that I have eaten up my share of your bandwidth for quite a while - central VA - comcast now, previously i2020.net. :)

Look for us in other threads soon. (I promise) We are up to our ears in alligators assisting new members right now - but this should be over shortly.

Now what's this about not biting too hard? I am almost afraid to post elsewhere.

BTW, Craig - can we interest you in folding? :):):) (the extra ones are there because I wanted you to know that I really was kidding and that I respect your accurate observation above. Message received, loud and clear - and well communicated on your part.)

Thank you for having these excellent Forums available!

Hey, our pleasure! Be welcome. And I don't mind subcultures, I'm a Mac user.

I used to SETI but right now the CPU cycles are being directed to Xgrid testing, so maybe another time. :)

Craig, what testing are you doing with Xgrid? Have you signed up on Apple's Xgrid list? They have some excellent tidbits of information from users that are putting Xgrid through its paces. Most users seem to be Admins for larger lab settings. Thanks for the great forums! Keep up the good work!