Installing the BOINC Client Software And Participating In A BOINC Powered Project: Version 6
From Unofficial BOINC Wiki
[edit] General
General Installation Notes
It is very easy to get started on participating and helping researchers with your donated computer time. On this page we will give you a step by step procedure which will guide you through the process of getting you up-and-running the BOINC Client Software.
The steps are as clear, logical, and detailed as I can make them. Even if you have never installed a program before it is my hope that you will have all of the steps and illustrations that will facilitate this experience.
For those that do not need as much detail, I have tried to make the presentation as streamlined as possible for you also.
My suggestion is that you read through the instructions from end to end before you start.
One last note, some of the Projects may not be open for new Accounts. Other Projects are not producing a lot of work at this time. All of these things will change as the BOINC Powered Projects get going and mature. We recommend that you sign up for at least two projects so that you will always have work to process.
Ready?
Ok, here goes …
Installation Preconditions
In order to complete the procedure outlined in this guide, you must meet the following preconditions:
- You must have an operational computer.
- You must administation rights on the computer.
- You must have Internet Access from this computer.
- You must be able to operate the computer and access the Internet.
[edit] Overview
Before starting it may be sensible to read Rules and Policies especially if you are not familiar with BOINC. There may also be extra System Requirements which you may need to check. If your computer does not meet these requirements, BOINC will not download any work for the project.
[edit] BOINC Installation Step-by-Step Instructions
Installation Step: Overview
You can get a very brief introduction to the BOINC System and how it works by reading "Getting Started". The Wiki is extensive and we do what we can to make this as easy as possible. By way of example, you will notice that we have many terms tied to links, so, you can look up an explanation of any defined term or phrase.
Installing the BOINC Client Software
We will start the process by having you install the BOINC Client Software. Select the correct installation instructions from this list:
- Installing The BOINC Client Software on Microsoft Windows® (all versions).
- Installing The BOINC Client Software on Apple Macintosh OS-X (only; do not attempt to install or run the BOINC Client Software on OS-9)
- Installing The BOINC Client Software on Linux (x86 versions only)
- Installing The BOINC Client Software on SPARC/Solaris
- BOINC and SETI@Home Quick Install Guide for HPUX
- Note:
- Additional installation and start-up instructions and scripts are listed on the UCB site as:
[edit] Attaching to a BOINC Powered Project
Now that you have the BOINC Client Software installed on your computer and the initial Benchmarks have been run, you are ready to put your computer to work. To do this we have to "Attach" the BOINC Client Software to a BOINC Powered Project.
[edit] Overview of the "Attach" Process
To "Attach" the BOINC Client Software to a BOINC Powered Project the following will be done:
- You will read the EULA for the BOINC Powered Project and agree to the terms.
- Check to see that the Project's Scheduling Server is on-line.
- On starting the BOINC Client Software for the first time, it should automatically start the "Attach to Project" wizard. If it doesn't or you are already running another BOINC Powered Project, you can start that wizard by choosing the Advanced Menu, "Attach to project" menu option.
- Select a Project.
- Enter your existing Account Information, which is usually an e-mail address and a password. If you don't already have an account, you can create one.
- If successful, an "Attached to Project" message should display. Click finish to end the "Attach to Project" wizard.
[edit] Reading the "Rules and Policies" for the BOINC Powered Project
You need to know what you are getting into, so, read the Rules and Policies for the Project.
These can be found on the project website.
[edit] Verify The State of The BOINC Powered Project
Before you can attach, the scheduling server needs to be accessible. Every project normally has a server status page, which gives details for all the servers and services.
What you are looking for is an "Up" status, primarily on the Scheduling Server. If you are unsure, you can ask other experienced Participants on the Forums. Some projects, Predictor@Home and LHC@Home have a simple "Up"/"Down" indicator on the "Index" page. Other BOINC Powered Projects have more complex schemes showing the state of many of the components of the Back-End Systems.
If the Scheduling Server is off-line you will not be able to "Attach" to the Project.
[edit] Open the BOINC Manager
Open the BOINC Manager window if it is not already open.
- Note:
- If you are continuing from one of the "Install Process" "How-To" Guides, if you followed our suggestion, the BOINC Manager's window should be open.
[edit] Open the Projects Menu of the BOINC Manager
Click on the "Advanced Menu".
[edit] Click the "Attach to Project" item
In the menu there is an item labeled as "Attach to Project", click on this button to open the "Attach to Project" wizard.
[edit] "Attach to Project" Wizard Opening Page
The first page of the wizard just describes what you are about to do.
Note: If you are using an account manager you will see the following image 
Click "Next >".
[edit] Project Master URL
Either select a project in the list provided, or you can enter a Project's Master URL in the "Project URL" box. You can copy and paste this using Control-"C" then Control-"V" (Microsoft Windows®) or Command-"c" then Command-"v" (Apple Macintosh OS-X).
Click "Next >".
[edit] Proxy Configuration
You only need to complete this step if you are behind a proxy server and receive this dialog during the attach process. If you have not configured proxy settings when you should have done, you get a screen like this.
You are most likely behind a Proxy Server. Please see BOINC FAQ: Running BOINC behind a proxy server for more information.
Just fill in the details and click "Next >".
[edit] Create a New Account or Log Into An Existing Account
After a few moments, during which BOINC communicates with the project, the following dialog with appear.
In this dialog, you need can either create a new Account by entering the required information into the fields. There will be restrictions on the content of the Password and its length.
If you make an error, you will be prompted to correct the error.
Take care to avoid typing mistakes.
or
If you have already created an Account at the Project's Web Site, you can log in, by clicking on "Use existing account" and filling in your e-mail address and password.
In either case, fill out the details and click "Next >".
[edit] Communication Required
Wait while this communicating message is displayed. The BOINC Client Software must exchange the information entered with the Project's Scheduling Server.
In the case of a new Account creation the Server must create the Account. If it is a usage of an existing Account, the Account Information must be validated.
[edit] Success
You should get an attached message as depicted above. If you get the message below, you need to check your details.
That should be it! The BOINC Client Software should look after downloading the Science Application, the details of your particular Work Unit and all the other communications necessary. If this does not happen, see BOINC FAQ: Troubleshooting on attaching to a project or the general BOINC FAQ.
For more on what the BOINC System does to get you started see "Getting Started".
Click "Finish".
[edit] Failure
In this example of a failure the Password or the e-Mail address was incorrect and must be changed or the attempt to "Attach" to the Project must be abandoned.
Check to make sure your firewall allows the BOINC Client Software full browsing capability on port 80.
Also see BOINC FAQ: Troubleshooting on attaching to a project or Climateprediction FAQ - Issues with Getting started or the BOINC FAQ.
Click "Finish" if you do not want to correct the problem.
or,
Click "< Back'" after you have corrected the problem.
[edit] Attaching to more projects
If you wish to attach your computer to more than one project, simply repeat the above instructions. It may, however, be more beneficial to use an account manager.
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