Distributed Computing
Sometimes I need to leave my computer on while I’m away. Some friends and colleagues do the same thing for many reasons, such as:
- downloading big files or torrents overnight.
- leaving it in “ready” state so when the owner back to use the computer, it can be used immediately without waiting for start-up/loading process.
- the computer is left on to process certain task such as backup, scan, or other maintenance tasks.
- the computer is left on so its owner can access it remotely from another computer.
- and so on…
Most activities listed above only take a small fraction of computer’s processing power, often leaving the processor idle for hours. Not many people know that there is a better way to utilise the unused processing power: donate it for grid computing.
Some might have heard the term “Grid Computing” or “Distributed Computing” and relate it to scientific projects and geeky stuff in labs. Some think about DNA mapping and analysis. Some think about difficult mathematics or physics formula. Some even think about military project, UFO, and the outer space.
Before going deeper into the subject, let’s take a look of what Wiki says about grid computing:
Grid computing is a phrase in distributed computing which can have several meanings:
- Multiple independent computing clusters which act like a “grid” because they are composed of resource nodes not located within a single administrative domain.
- The creation of a “virtual supercomputer” by using a network of geographically dispersed computers. Volunteer computing, which generally focuses on scientific, mathematical, and academic problems, is the most common application of this technology.
Continue reading grid computing’s wiki…
In a simpler concept, grid computing is about lending unused computing power to a collective cause, ranging from climate prediction to DNA analysis to UFO search.
Join GridRepublic, a non-profit organisation that allow home users to be part in grid computing to solve various research projects such as climate prediction and DNA mapping for cancer study. I use GridRepublic to help research on climate changes, cancer study, and DNA mapping. It runs in the night time when my computer is on and unused.
If you occasionally leave your computer on overnight for certain tasks, I recommend you to install GridRepublic to donate your unused computing power for good causes. It is secure, does not interfere your privacy, and does not degrade your computer performance. Learn more about GridRepublic or see research projects you can take part in.
Of course energy conservation is the best way. Turn off your computer when you don’t use it at all. Pass the positive influence to your friends and colleagues!
I’m so glad to be able to give positive influence to people around me
