Grid Computing Idea

[ebe9]

I currently have a spare desktop that is lying around doing nothing.

I was wondering if there is some way that I can set up a grid computing layout that will allow me to make use of the extra processing power of that machine.

Or would I just be better off networking it to my current machine and assigning full remote control over it and run applications on it that way?

At the end of the day, I don't want the extra machine to go to waste and it would be useful to have it running my downloads off its processing power while I use the other machine for gaming and other use.

Does anyone have some suggestions?

 

[Tunasashimi]

Install BOINC on it and help solve protein-folding problems!

If you were using Linux it's be easy to run desktop apps on it and have them display on your main PC:

Main PC (10.0.0.1):
~# xhost +

Client PC (10.0.0.2):
~# export DISPLAY=10.0.0.1:0
then run something:
~# ooffice&
~# nautilus&
~# thunar&
~# rxvt&
~# gnome-terminal&

 

[ebe9]

Install BOINC on it and help solve protein-folding problems!

If you were using Linux it's be easy to run desktop apps on it and have them display on your main PC:

Main PC (10.0.0.1):
~# xhost +

Client PC (10.0.0.2):
~# export DISPLAY=10.0.0.1:0
then run something:
~# ooffice&
~# nautilus&
~# thunar&
~# rxvt&
~# gnome-terminal&

Ah, if only I was that altruistic.

Nope, I want it for the betterment of myslef first


And as for linux, unfortunately I am stuck with the oh so wonderful XP.

 

[nihilist]

Folding @ Home would just use unused CPU cycles anyway, like when you're sleeping / box is idle.

Ah, if only I was that altruistic.

Nope, I want it for the betterment of myslef first


And as for linux, unfortunately I am stuck with the oh so wonderful XP.

 

[slayerza]

Grid computing only becomes really advantageous when you have several pc and furhtermore you need applications that are specifically developed to take advantage of the parallel system. Also non dedicated networks and different hadware impedes performance.

The idea to use windows and remote desktop (I would use linux & VNC) does allow you to run applications on the remote (headless) box and also donate some processing power to folding@home etc.

I have 4 old-ish pc dedicated to this type of use

Just my 2c
Cheers
Slayer

 

[Gnome]

Distributed systems usually have high overhead, IE. the nodes must constantly synchronize with each other, can actually cause the nodes to run so much slower that by having it run on one node alone it would have been quicker, not sure what the overhead would be like if it were simply 2 nodes, but it's something to keep in mind.

Also if the older system is very slow there is the possibility that it gets a job that would take your most powerful system 10min to complete but the older system 30min, in the end it's penny wise pound foolish, although you gained 10min extra on the more powerful machine you possible lost 30min of productivity.

I think you'd get better results by running programs remotely that you don't need in the immediate future, while keeping busy on your main system.

 

[slayerza]

One possible use for an older system is using as a firewall, router, email server, ftp and also a bandwith limiter. As these tasks don't require stellar performance even very old (PII) systems are suitable.