A few years ago, I donated my unused processor space to the first distributed computing project run by United Devices. Thousands of home computers, primarily in the U.S., received molecular simulations to run during computer downtimes, returning the results to the host program on a master computer whenever our calculations were complete. The program I’d signed up for was tagging molecular attachment points in an attempt to figure out how free agents were attracted and bonded. Fun stuff, huh?

These days, the project getting all the news is Folding@home, for a pretty remarkable reason. It’s something gamers can run when they’re not playing their Sony PlayStation 3’s.

I saw the PlayStation version of the project at Bruce’s home and thought it was the greatest thing ever. Compared to the early, clunky United Devices project, Folding@home is quite elegant and runs damned smooth. With the advent of DSL and cable modems - endless connections — the new distributed computing technology runs 24/7, providing quicker results per computer. So, naturally, I checked on the project to see if I could contribute. I like these kinds of things.

The Grid (the United Devices program) only “ran” when you were dialed in - this was before DSL and cable modems were mainstream. It also sucked up 100% of your processor capacity. I had to choose between writing a letter and aiding in cancer research. In hindsight it was rather clunky, but like all prototypes it led to the better technologies employed today.

Folding@home boasts a variable processor control that lets you determine how much of your available capacity will be donated to the cause…and since, these days, many home computers are jacked in 24/7, they’re crunching more data per computer than could be crunched in 1999. The upside is that Folding@home can run on my computer while I’m writing a letter, or playing a video game, or sleeping. I get a kick out of seeing how much information I’ved processed with the piddling 25% of processor capacity that I’ve dedicated to the project.

More importantly, distributed computing is proving itself to be an extremely valuable resource for solving incredibly complex equations in incredibly shorter amounts of time. There are other distributed computing projects online, such as SETI@home, which I did for a few months, until it occurred to me that I didn’t care if there was extraterrestrial life.

If you wish to contribute, you’re welcome to join my Folding@home team, which is 96815 — or better yet, grab your computery neighbors together to start your own team. Ask your workplace if they’re willing to donate downtime to the project. If you own a PS3, you’re in the perfect position to donate 100% of your power at least 50% of the time…cuz, ya know, it’s a worthwhile cause, dOoDs!