Frequently Asked Questions

1.What is Boinc?

Boinc is the name of a software program developed at the University of California at Berkeley. The Project was funded by the National Science Foundation.

2.What is Distributed Computing?

Distributed Computing is a way to have millions of Personal Computers working on small pieces of a scientific research project.

3.Do I have to be connected all the time to the master server computer?

No, but you do need to have internet access. You can use a dial-up 56k modem or either cable access or a dsl modem access.

4.How does this really work?

After you get your access key number, and have installed the program, you enter the server access URL Address (just like a special website address) and your access key into the Boinc program. You must be online and the server will send you WU's (work units) to process. These are appropriate for the power of the computer you own. Your computer will analyze the WU and when finished wait for you to send it back to the server.

5.Does my computer need to be turned on all the time?

No. You can go about your normal use of the computer. Turning it on and off whenever you please.

6.Will this slow down my computer?

There three ways you can use the program. It can run Full-Time (always on) in which case only 50% of the processor cycles are used for this program. Or the default mode is to never use any of your processor power, when you are using it. If you leave it on and walk away from the computer for 3 minutes, Boinc will sense this and start working on the WU's, again only using 50% of the power. You can still run your screensaver or do other background tasks while this is happening. The moment you move the mouse or hit the keyboard, the Boinc program suspends it's work and the computer is all yours again. The third mode is to suspend operations. This means to manually turn off Boinc for a while. You might want to do this to play a powerful game or to do an important business program operation. Boinc will stay off until you turn it back on or until you shut off the computer. When you turn it back on, Boinc will start in the default mode again.

7.How much does it cost to participate?

The projects are FREE to participate in and the Boinc program is FREE also. Just download it and select a project or two to participate in. Please join Team Chicopee as well.

8.Is this software safe from virus and spybots?

Yes, you can only communicate with an isolated server. We have tested the Boinc program for any vulnerabilities and find it safe. However, it's always best to use an anti-virus program on your computer.

9.Can I quit this program whenever I want to?

Certainly, the answer is yes. You are donating your computer power for a charitable cause and only you can say when you want to do this. You may quit anytime and start again whenever it pleases you to do so.

10.I don't know anything about Biological Protein, Blackholes, or Seti do I need to?

You only need to receive the WU's and send back the results. It's no work on your part really, except for the satisfaction that you just did a very good thing.

11.Can I change to another project if I want to?

Yes, in a moments notice. You will keep your credits for the old project and get new credits for the work you do on the new project.

12.Why don't the scientists just use a super computer?

This is complicated but I'll try to answer. A research project usually has four things which cost money. The expenses to pay the scientists, the building and equipment they use, the therapy and live trials, and the rented computer time on the supercomputer. If the costs for the supercomputer time are cut way back by a program like this, then more scientists can be hired for the project and hopefully the solution can be found faster.

13.Will I get credit if my computer finds a black hole or cures cancer?

Yes, you will receive credit for the breakthrough as a member of the research team.

14.Why is this a beta test and what does that mean?

In the past a program like Boinc was dedicated to a computer. It had very limited capabilities. Nothing like Boinc had existed till now. The software on the server computer must communicate and do lot's of things like keep track of your points and store the results for the scientists to see and do the science. Since this software is new, they call it a beta test. Lot's of changes happen as they tweak the programs here and there to get them flawlessly perfect for the production release. It's similar to a company testing a new product until every tester is happy with the product.

15.What if I need help or have a question?

You will receive an e-mail from us after you join our Team Chicopee and we will do our best to help you. Many projects also have a bulletin board where you can get help.

16.Why are there Teams?

It's more fun to participate with a team. The team will answer your questions and will be able to go further than you can on your own.

17.My computer is not powerful. Will the team want me?

Absolutely. You will be doing work for yourself and for the team. Every WU is worth points that the team would not have if you did not join in.

18.I have several computers. Do I need multiple accounts?

No, you can use the same account key for a project on several computers. The server computer will keep track of each of them and give you the total points for them all.

19.What is this position for the team?

It's like a race. The more work you do, the more points both you and the team get. The best team on each project is in Position #1 and it works downward from there.

20.Can I change teams if I want to?

Yes, whenever you want to. If you leave, the team keeps the points you earned while on that team but you are free anytime to change. Most teams like to keep everybody at all costs. Volunteers for anything are in short supply.

21.Why is it called Team Chicopee?

The founder of this team has his business in Chicopee. He has pride in the City and chose that name for the team.

22.Do I have to use my real name or can I use a nickname?

That is up to you. Either way we just need something to call you.

23.Are more projects going to be released?

Our best guess is yes. This Boinc program is great, and we think that the Naional Science Foundation really thought long and hard about what to fund and create.

24.Can I submit ideas about the program?

Yes, most projects have a bulletin board and you are permitted to make suggestions.

25.What do I get out of this?

Mostly just satisfaction in knowing that you are working on a solution to a difficult problem, rather than just saying "Why does not somebody solve this?". There is always the possibility that your computer, or your Team could solve the problem and get worldwide credit for it. Even if you don't solve the problem on your computer, it would be a very good thing to solve Cancer, Altzheimer's Disease, Diabetes, Kidney disease, Heart and Brain disease, Aids, SARS, Viruses, The Common Cold, allergies, muscle disease in children, find disappearing Black Holes in Space or find Extraterrestrial Intelligent Life in Space as well as many other problems. These other projects can be done using this concept and we think that it's the best breakthrough for research in years. It's a worldwide effort, join us today.

26. The Predictor application is Alpha Test, what does that mean?

You will be participating in the very first tests for this program. Many changes are likely to occur while this program is worked out to do this medical research. One of our team members who uses Win98 has passed on this tip. Leave your computer running 24/7 since if you shut it off, you will likely lose your WU's as well as any work it has performed.