Distributed computing: I do it - do you?

[wreckedcarzz]

Figured I would fire up a topic about distributed computing. If you don't already know, distributed computing is the process of taking an enormous task and spreading (distributing) it across a set of computers (computing) by volunteers. This occurs by using otherwise wasted CPU time (during idle status, yes that does include when the PC is in use - you don't put information in as fast as it can take it, unless your running like 5 copies of Crysis or something ). FYI most DC projects do not lag your computer, and many of them have a CPU and/or RAM throttle option to pull them back if they get a bit out of hand.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distributed_computing

There are thousands of distributed computing projects out there, and a simple Google search turns up many different popular organizations running these projects.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=distributed+computing&btnG=Google+Search

Personally, I am running 3 DC engines that work on 4 projects (OBVIOUSLY not all at once ):

D2OL (aka CommunityTSC) - Drug Design Optimization Lab - A DC project that aims to find cures for deseases, particularly for children
http://www.d2ol.com/

distributed.net - A DC project that is attmpting to find ways to crack several various computer algorithms (security based I believe)
http://www.distributed.net/

ClimatePrediction.net - hadcm3i - A DC project that is attempting to, based on prior data, plan and predict what our earth's climate will do (run through BOINC - Berkley Open Infrastructure for Networked Computing)
http://boinc.berkeley.edu/

SETI @ Home - Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (@ Home) - A DC project looking for other intelligence sources (aliens, if you will) within outer space. Appears to use the University of California's large satellite dish to send out and recieve radio wave information (then distributed to the SETI @ Home clients). (Run through BOINC - Berkley Open Infrastructure for Networked Computing)
http://boinc.berkeley.edu/

(Note: I am glad to take corrections on the aforementioned data, as I am not certain that it is all correct)

I have two computers running the BOINC software, and am installing it on my dad's HP dual core system to further help out the causes.

So, now you know what I run to try and help out - what do you participate in?

-Brandon

[housetier]

I participate in "green computing" and turn off the machines I do not use. If they cannot be turned off, I let them idle to have the operating system save energy as much as possible.

It's nice for older hardware that can't slow down and always needs the same amount of energy regardless of "stress". But newer hardware can adapt to computing needs and will consume less if it just idles.