Sirius Backstage has started a "Folding Team" in an effort to help in the fight against serious diseases. Stanford University is leading the way of this research with their "Folding@Home" effort and have provided the means for individuals and teams to participate. The results of this research could lead to the prevention, treatment or cures for diseases such as Alzheimers, Cancer, Mad Cow, Parkinson's and other serious diseases, and in fact has already had some positive results. As a member of the Sirius Backstage community you are encouraged to join our "folding" team to contribute to this important research. This won't cost you anything so please read on.
You can read the details of this research program on the
Folding@home Page
View a short flash slideshow for an overview of why you might want to join:
Slideshow
As you can see from the
Sirius Backstage Official Team Page, points assigned to each member and each team to provide rankings within the team and amongst all of the teams. While points aren't the primary motivation for doing this, it does provide some feedback to members that participate to see their names listed and their level of contribution. We hope to make Sirius Backstage a major contributor for this great cause with the help from our members.
To get started, all you need to do is
Download the appropriate software - MAC, Windows and Linux are all supported. It only takes a few minutes and you will be up and running.
Installing:
When you install it, you can use any name you want to be on the list, but it's best to use your Sirius Backstage name so we can recognize you. After installing, make sure that the name is filled out and the team number is set to
49633. On windows, you can right click on the little red icon in the toolbar and select the "Configure" menu option. Once you are up and running, spread the word by adding the image above to your signature in your profile.
Here are some Questions and Answers to some common questions we think you might have.
Q: Why Is Sirius Backstage doing this?
A: While Sirius Backstage has been and always will be primarily a community build around our love for Sirius and satellite radio, we have a chance to help humankind by doing nothing more being the sponsor of a team and allowing our spare CPU cycles to help in the research. Once you understand this research project and it's potential benefits, I think it will be obvious why we are doing this. It feels good to help.
Q: Is it Secure?
A: Yes, it is very secure. It will only contact Stanford's website to download new problems to solve, and upload the results when it has completed. No other information is gathered and transferred between the computers. It uses the highest encryption possible to validate the download and the results to provide the most secure exchange possible. Furthermore, you can only download the application from their servers so they have control over it. Let's put it this way, it's more dangerous to use email or browse the web than to run this software imo. Read more about security
Here
Q: I have more than one computer, can I run multiple copies and get credit?
A: Yes, there is no limit to the number of computers you can put to work with your name getting the credit. The more CPU's you have working, the faster the points accumulate.
Q: Is there a reward for getting the most points?
A: Not at this time, but you will be recognized on the list as a participant with a team ranking. In the future perhaps we will have other ways to recognize those that participate on behalf of the Sirius Backstage Team.
Q: Will it slow my computer down?
A: No, it only works when you aren't. Even while browsing or typing you are using only a small percentage of the CPU - this program will use whatever is left over. In the event that you feel you need to disable it, you have complete control and can pause it and resume it at any time. You can turn off your computer and it will resume where it left off next time you launch.
Q: I have a family member that would like to do this, do they need to be a member of Sirius Backstage to be on the team?
No, everyone is invited to join the Sirius Backstage folding team. All they need to do is make sure they use the team number 49633.
Q: What if I decide to quit participating?
A: No problem, simply uninstall the software. At least you gave it a try.
Q: I joined and have it setup with the correct team number but why hasn't my name shown up on the team list?
A: Your name will not appear until the first work unit has completed so be patient. Sometimes a work unit can take anywhere from a day to a few days.
For a full list of Frequently Asked Questions visit the following
Folding@home FAQ's
If you have any other questions, please post them here in this thread
Thanks for participating!
SiriusBackstage Folding Team
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