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README: SETI@MURC introduction
With the nice new forum, I think it's about time for a "SETI@MURC for dummies": what is SETI@MURC and how do you help?
What is SETI@home?
In the words of the SETI@home homepage:
SETI@home is a scientific experiment that uses Internet-connected computers in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). You can participate by running a free program that downloads and analyzes radio telescope data.
What is SETI@MURC
Individual SETI@home participants can join forces in "groups". There are thousands of groups; companies (Sun, Microsoft, Intel, Compaq), government agencies (NASA, US Navy, NATO), universities (Chicago, Washington, Berkeley), and "club teams" (groups of individuals with common interests: ArsTechnica, Germany, Linux).
Matrox Users has also formed a "club team", which you can join.
Why should I?
Because it's fun.
So how do you help?
Easy: download and run the SETI@home program.
It comes in two flavors:
- A screensaver version. It's nice to look at, easy to run, won't interfere with normal computer usage, impresses your co-workers, and generally attracts more chicks/guys than you can handle.
- A "command-line" version. It runs a bit faster, but it takes more computer resources, and is boring to look at. It generally also requires you to start it up manually.
You may want to start with the screensaver version. Switch to cmd-line later if you want to. You can download the screensaver from here. Run the downloaded executable to install.
You'll be presented with a Preferences dialog afterwards. Note that "data analysis always runs" is only recommended for fast computers (with lots of RAM) that are generally unused.
After hitting OK, you're asked wether you're a first-time user. You probably are, so create a new account. Choose whatever you like for "name/nickname", but be sure to enter a valid e-mail address; it won't be shown anyway.
Next, the client wants to contact SETI@home to get your first piece of data, and starts crunching. It will also install itself as the default screensaver. You may want to check the screensaver properties, to make sure it "goes to blank screen" after a short period. After a while, set it to blank after "zero minutes" for maximum speed.
What's next?
Make sure you join the Matrox Users team.
- You'll first have to get your password. Use this page for that. Enter the same e-mail address you used above, and you'll receive your password after a few seconds.
- After that, go to this page, and using your e-mail address and password, join team Matrox Users.
Check SETI's Matrox Users stats page, to make sure that you're listed.
Done!
Maybe the above seems like a lot, but it's done in a few minutes. Keep crunching!
Links
Now that you're a well-respected member of SETI@MURC, check back in this forum. Ask how to make it faster, brag about your Work Unit times, whatever.
Some links to see how you (and we) are doing:
SETI@home real-time stats for Matrox Users
And once you've made it to the top 100 (warning: blatant self-promotion):
SETI@MURC statistics with history and graphs.
Enjoy!
Martin
What is SETI@home?
In the words of the SETI@home homepage:
SETI@home is a scientific experiment that uses Internet-connected computers in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). You can participate by running a free program that downloads and analyzes radio telescope data.
What is SETI@MURC
Individual SETI@home participants can join forces in "groups". There are thousands of groups; companies (Sun, Microsoft, Intel, Compaq), government agencies (NASA, US Navy, NATO), universities (Chicago, Washington, Berkeley), and "club teams" (groups of individuals with common interests: ArsTechnica, Germany, Linux).
Matrox Users has also formed a "club team", which you can join.
Why should I?
Because it's fun.
So how do you help?
Easy: download and run the SETI@home program.
It comes in two flavors:
- A screensaver version. It's nice to look at, easy to run, won't interfere with normal computer usage, impresses your co-workers, and generally attracts more chicks/guys than you can handle.
- A "command-line" version. It runs a bit faster, but it takes more computer resources, and is boring to look at. It generally also requires you to start it up manually.
You may want to start with the screensaver version. Switch to cmd-line later if you want to. You can download the screensaver from here. Run the downloaded executable to install.
You'll be presented with a Preferences dialog afterwards. Note that "data analysis always runs" is only recommended for fast computers (with lots of RAM) that are generally unused.
After hitting OK, you're asked wether you're a first-time user. You probably are, so create a new account. Choose whatever you like for "name/nickname", but be sure to enter a valid e-mail address; it won't be shown anyway.
Next, the client wants to contact SETI@home to get your first piece of data, and starts crunching. It will also install itself as the default screensaver. You may want to check the screensaver properties, to make sure it "goes to blank screen" after a short period. After a while, set it to blank after "zero minutes" for maximum speed.
What's next?
Make sure you join the Matrox Users team.
- You'll first have to get your password. Use this page for that. Enter the same e-mail address you used above, and you'll receive your password after a few seconds.
- After that, go to this page, and using your e-mail address and password, join team Matrox Users.
Check SETI's Matrox Users stats page, to make sure that you're listed.
Done!
Maybe the above seems like a lot, but it's done in a few minutes. Keep crunching!
Links
Now that you're a well-respected member of SETI@MURC, check back in this forum. Ask how to make it faster, brag about your Work Unit times, whatever.
Some links to see how you (and we) are doing:
SETI@home real-time stats for Matrox Users
And once you've made it to the top 100 (warning: blatant self-promotion):
SETI@MURC statistics with history and graphs.
Enjoy!
Martin
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