Distributed Computing

landbeforetimelover · **on:** April 01, 2008, 09:45:03 PM

Well, it was just recently since I discovered a little thing called "distributed computing". Basically it's just a company or organization that can utilize your computer when you're not on it. They use your computer to help find cures for diseases and such. There are also other distributed computing projects that you get paid for, such as something that you wouldn't normally volunteer for. One of these examples would be helping mathematicians calculate pi (pronounced pie) to the 100 millionth digit. There are also companies that pay you to help relieve some workload from their servers such as file hosting companies and such. I personally only do the distributed computing from organizations that help people such as the national science foundation and the CRA because they use my spare processing power to help them find cures for diseases and help the sick and wounded. It is a good way to help out when you don't know how. Of course, you are just taking their word for it when they say they're using your computer for specific things, but at least it's better than nothing.

Clawandfang · **Reply #1 on:** April 02, 2008, 03:08:06 AM

This sounds quite interesting. What would it mean in practical terms?

landbeforetimelover · **Reply #2 on:** April 02, 2008, 05:26:46 AM

If enough people learn about distributed computing and actually participate in it, we might be able to find cures for diseases only days after the diseases are first discovered. Also, something like this may grow into an extra way to earn some cash.

Clawandfang · **Reply #3 on:** April 02, 2008, 11:54:43 AM

Sorry should've been clearer. What I meant was, if I woke up one day and said "I'm going to do Distributed Computing," what would I have to do and how would it affect the use of my laptop?