[Feiny]

Can you explain to me in simple terms what this is all about?

[MarkeyD]

Stanford University has a huge project which requires lots of computers to do a bunch of calculations to fold proteins. So rather than pay for all the computers to do this, they create d a 'contest' that allowed interested third parties to donate their extra CPU time. So now their are teams of computers that compete to see who can run the most calculations. FreeRepublic had a team but JR didn't like them using the name.

[MarkeyD]

Also, nice profile.

[Klutz Dohanger]

Can you explain to me in simple terms what this is all about?

Stanford University is researching the mutation of proteins, for the ultimate goal of providing clues to the cures for many diseases, that are protein based, ie, alzheimers, mad cow, and many forms of cancer.

To simulate the possible mutations (or foldings) of these proteins in the laboratory, would take decades, but they have come up with computer models, that accurately predict what long term (physical)experiments would produce.

However, these models take intense computing power. Supercomputers aren't the answer, they're too expensive, and yes, they're relatively slow, when it comes to this type of calculation. They operate in parallel, which is faster, for the applications that they're designed for, but for simulations of this type, they're just inadequate.

By using distributed computing, ie, running a small client program, on millions of computers, Stanford overcomes the limitations of the supercomputers, and calculates many more folds, in a shorter time.

In order to "pique" the interest of those with the ability to supply excess cpu cycles, Stanford setup the program on a competitive basis, with teams earning points. There is no profit, no gain, no publicity for the winners, just a sense of having contributed.