I use an iMac laptop at work that's on from 8:00 until 4:00. [It's one of those white, small-screen jobs, less than 2 years old.] I can load it with any programs I see fit. From the excellently clear and precise information I've just given you, what sort of units should I set it up to work on--deadline, no deadline? [and any other hints you may have]
Clara Lou,
For your OSX Mac to operate at its maximum efficiency, it really should be left on over night. OSX does housekeeping in the early mornings after no activity from the keyboard is noted. Disk optimization, clean ups, etc. occur then automatically. This would be an ideal time to allow it to continue running F@H.
As to your setting, it depends on whether your iBook is a G3 or a G4 iBook. You said it's less than two years old, but the first G4 iBook came out in October 2003 but G3 iBooks were still in the distribution pipeline for several months after their discontinuation also in October 2003.
F@H software runs a benchmark test on your computer to see what is the ideal WU to run on your computer and then assigns it WUs that fit that model. I have my G5 set for the "No Preference" mode.
If your laptop is a G3, then it is most likely suited to smaller assignments on no-deadline. It lacks the altivec engine found in G4s and G5 Macs that give them a real boost in running math like this. If your laptop is a G4, then it will have the Altivec engine and can run almost anything including WUs on deadline.
You can find out which processor your iBook holds by clicking on the "About this Mac" selection under the Blue Apple menu.
I hope this helps.
Swordmaker
I would just load it with the defaults. It won't get the large WU's, but on from 8-4pm, it should chew through the average WU in about 5 days, vice the usual 1 1/2 days...