BOINC FAQ: Features
From Unofficial BOINC Wiki
[edit] General
In this FAQ section we will talk about the general features of the BOINC System, and more specifically the BOINC Client Software.
[edit] What are the main features of BOINC?
A partial list of features within the BOINC Client Software are:
- Configurable Work Buffering
- OpenGL graphics
- Expanded General Preferences (program configuration settings)
- Project Specific Preferences
- Client storage
- Unified Credit Accounting (for more details look at the Category: Credit FAQ)
- Open Source (for more details look at the Category: BOINC FAQ: Open Source)
- "Trickle" status reporting
- Work Unit Sequencing
- Use of all "Logical" and "Physical" CPUs (if authorized by preference settings) on a multi-CPU Host (Participant's Computer)
- Locality support with language customization (see: How do you install different languages?" for details)
[edit] Why is work buffering important?
For the best results and maximum gain we want to run the Science Applications for as much time as we possibly can. If your computer has no work, it is not doing anything advantageous to either you or us. Many machines can do multiple Work Units in the course of the day and may not have a constantly available connection. Even with "Always-On" connection there are always outages. So the best thing to do is to download enough work so that temporary outages, or the lack of a connection in the case of a Dial-Up Participant, we get a little extra work to smooth out the bumps in the road.
[edit] Why are OpenGL graphics important?
There are a number of reasons why this is useful. Firstly they just look cool. Secondly they give us 3D effects and look better than the older graphics systems. Thirdly, they are supported on more platforms than other graphics systems opening up the number of machines that may be able to host the BOINC Client Software and the Science Applications. Fourthly, did we mention that they look cool? Fifthly, they will create more of a demand for ever more Science Applications to be developed. Sixthly, did we mention they look cool?
[edit] Why do I need preferences? I just want to load it up and go.
Most likely the Default Preferences will be good for most Participants. But there are always times and places that we might want slightly changed settings to best suit our needs. With adjustable preferences it is easier for participants to ensure that the BOINC Client Software is not going to cause conflicts with other operations and programs.
For this reason you have complete control over how much of your resources (CPU Time, disk space, network bandwidth) are going to be used by the BOINC Client Software and the Science Applications. These Preferences are edited through a web interface, making it easy to manage multiple computers.
[edit] So I have adjustable parameters. But I need different settings for my office computer, is this possible?
Yes. The BOINC System allows you to have 3 different Preference Venues:
- Home
- Work
- School
But, again we stress, only run the BOINC Client Software on computers for which you have written permission. Don't run it on the office or school computers if you have not obtained written permission.
Once you create one Preference Venue, one of them will become you default and all of your computers will use that as their preferences. To change the preferences you have to use the preference venue option on the computer summary page (the "Location" line, near the bottom of the page).
[edit] What are project specific preferences?
This will make it possible, for example, to give you a choice of color schemes in your SETI@Home graphics. Since this is an area where each BOINC Powered Project you have joined will have their own definitions we have to limit ourselves to saying that each project may have some settings that you can use to alter how you participate and enjoy that project.
For example, now we have multiple BOINC Powered Projects available and almost all of them have a Screensaver as part of their Science Application with also the ability to customize the display for your particular interests and mood.
[edit] What is "Client Storage"?
The BOINC Software gives you the ability to donate space on your computer's disk drives to a specific project (or projects) that you wish to assist. Therefore, projects will be able to use donated disk storage as well as CPU Time (subject to user-specific limits).
This will allow SETI@Home, for example, to archive radio data on participant's disks instead of just using digital tape backup.
[edit] Why would I give away storage?
Well, why are you interested in giving away processing time? You are here because you have resources that you are not necessarily using to the full benefit of mankind. Here the BOINC Client Software allows you to not only donate computing time to what you feel are worthy projects, but storage space as well. Storing data is almost as expensive as collecting it in the first place. Every dollar that a project spent to cover the cost of storing data is one less dollar spent on doing science. Most science projects want to protect the data so they have primary storage, secondary storage at a geographically separated location. When the BOINC Client Software allows local storage we have the potential to store the data on a world-wide basis.
But, bear in mind that the BOINC Client Software will only use resources that you have granted the projects permission to use.
[edit] I only have a little storage space to donate, should I make it available?
Sure. If you can spare it, and want to donate it, why not? Remember the idea is to make the Project's Data as safe as we can. The BOINC Client Software is only going to use what you allow it to use, and every little bit helps.
Though we have to admit, at least at first, the demand for storage is going to be very low. But every project needs storage space. And every bit of it has to be paid for.
It is a law of the universe, no matter how big the garage, closet, bookcase, or any other storage space. You never have enough. When was the last time you had lots of room in your garage? Now you know why we want to have the capability to use your donated space, no one can get enough free space.
[edit] When will the BOINC Software begin to use donated storage?
The BOINC Client Software will contact and download information to your local disk drive when it contacts the Data Servers for normal work. What this means is that the BOINC Client Software is not going to go crazy and start to download the world on its own.
After you have agreed to donate space, the BOINC Daemon will contact the Project's Data Server and will get data if there is any available. It is possible that you will agree to donate space but they will not need it.
Again, this is a new capability and none of knows at this time what the demand is going to be and how many participants are going to donate space. It is possible that Participants will sign up in such numbers that they capacity will far exceed the usable demand. So, don't touch that dial and stay tuned here.
[edit] A lot of people have a signature that shows their Project Ranking. Where can I get a signature like those that displays my Project contributions?
There are a number of statistic sites that will allow you to create the graphic that can be displayed as part of your "Signature". The most popular include:
Many of the Teams also have the capability of making a signature image if you are a member.
