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The best way is to download VMWare Server & Kubuntu x86-64.

Start the VM Manager, install Kubuntu (the ISO mounted as the CD), install for 2 processors. ap-get the 32 bit libraries (if you are really going to do this I'll provide what support I can - don't want a fellow freeper to have the headaches I had).

download the Linux 64 bit SMP version of FAH (do the console version).

You have a working Windows machine and a folding monster that will probably net you about 650 ppd just from the VM. Add another 100+ ppd from the two Windows sessions that will also run (the VM will rarely take more than about 90% of processor).

The BEST option is to ship your new box to me and I'll set it up for you. I may even return it when done ...

Seriously, JosephW is right on the mark. Stanford realized that as they expand the F@H world the single processors of today will not be able to keep up with the new GROMACS cores that will be implemented in the years to come. They are looking ahead to the next generation of dual and quad core processors, and to true streaming processing from AMD/ATI.

I found out in researching for the next thread that F@H is solving for Schroedinger's equation for the (location, velocity, ??) of the atoms on the proteins we fold. They also solve FFTs and a bunch of stuff I forgot in college to push forward the basic research, and to prove the applied research in new medicines.

Therefore Stanford is giving out bonus points to folders who have the latest equipment, are willing to run in Linux or Mac OSX, and endure lots of EUEs. Once they have established stability in the SMP cores then the bonus points go away; until then fold on!

Take a look at the team that is chasing us down, The Outcasts 40530. The number 2 folder is marty9876. He has 417 active systems and produces about 22,000 ppd. He is their Klutz.

http://fah-web.stanford.edu/cgi-bin/main.py?qtype=userpage&teamnum=40530&username=marty9876

Now look at the number 1 folder on the team, zim01. He has 56 active systems and produces 55,000 ppd.

http://fah-web.stanford.edu/cgi-bin/main.py?qtype=userpage&teamnum=40530&username=zim01

ChelseaOilman produces 4,300 ppd from 5 systems.

Team stats here:

http://folding.extremeoverclocking.com/team_summary.php?s=&t=40530

One day the Windows SMP cores will be released, but until then a folding monster consists of either Linux or OSX on a dual core (or quad core) platform.

You also have the great NVidia 7950GT installed. Stanford and NVidia are working together to write code that will take advantage of the NVidia's blazing speed, but it is more difficult than dropping assembly code into pixel shaders like on the ATI cards.

The difference between these graphics chips and regular CPUs is incredible. On a normal CPU we see the protein jumps around as it is processed. On my ATI X1650 I see smooth scrolling of the molecule as it is being processed. On a PS3 you can actually see the individual atoms vibrate as it twirls around.

It may be next fall before NVidia cores are released but it is coming.

Also, be careful with Vista. Since it comes with IE7 and has tight security settings then you will be logged in as Admin to install anything. Look here for more info:

http://forum.folding-community.org/viewtopic.php?t=17275&highlight=vista

and

http://forum.folding-community.org/viewtopic.php?t=16963&highlight=vista

for running multiple cores of F@H.