For a almost a decade now I've had
BOINC on my computer, allowing it to analyze data while I'm not using my computer. The program takes care of the download and upload itself. All I have to do is provide parameters for its use of of the internet. From their website:
Use the idle time on your computer (Windows, Mac, or Linux) to cure
diseases, study global warming, discover pulsars, and do many other
types of scientific research. It's safe, secure, and easy.
After a minute and a half of inactivity, BOINC runs data from one of the four projects I've selected. From their websites:
Climateprediction.net runs climate models to forecast changes in climate
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.
The
malariacontrol.net project is an application that makes use
of network computing for stochastic modelling of the clinical epidemiology and
natural history of
Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
Rosetta@home needs your help to determine the 3-dimensional shapes of proteins in
research that may ultimately lead to finding cures for some major human
diseases. By running the Rosetta program on your computer while you
don't need it you will help us speed up and extend our research in ways
we couldn't possibly attempt without your help. You will also be helping
our efforts at designing new proteins to fight diseases such as HIV,
Malaria, Cancer, and Alzheimer's.
There are so many other projects involving quantum physics, astronomy, medical research, ecosystem studies, and mathematics. I'd love to add them all but I'd never be able to get the assignments back on time. This is a great way to use electricity and computing power that would otherwise be wasted to benefit society. It makes me a little warm and fuzzy.
