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Introducing

How it works: You download a program from www.worldcommunitygrid.org that runs in the background, working to answer these questions toward the improvement of humanity while you’re not using your computer’s processor. After installing and setting up your options, you don’t have to do anything else with the program- just let it run!

Does this affect my computer’s performance? As a general answer, no. Any program you are running, or any requests you make for processing power, take priority over World Community Grid (WCG). It only uses the extra processing power in your computer- say, while you browse the internet, type a paper, build a power-point, or if your computer is idle. (Don’t leave it on solely for WCG- conserving power is an even better way to help us all out.)

What about security? The Community Grid is managed by IBM, a company that knows computers well. The program is set up for secure communication with the server (including a number of checks that can only be explained in techie language) and has a number of safety/security components within the program. WCG is virus-free and very safe, significantly safer even than surfing the rest of the Net.

How do I get started? Go to www.worldcommunitygrid.org/viewJoinNow.do and download the installer version that works with your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux). Run the installer. You will also need to create a login password and profile to use on the World Community Grid web page that allows you to keep track of your computer’s contribution.

What is the Lafayette Community Grid? It’s a team of WCG members who are part of the Lafayette community- students, faculty, staff, or even relatives. Once you’ve created your profile online and installed the program, you can join the team by searching for it on the WCG website, or typing http://www.worldcommunitygrid.org/team/viewTeamInfo.do?teamId=21LN3SF3Q1 to access the team page directly. Let’s see how many points Lafayette can generate!!!

Do campus labs have this program installed? Because of access restrictions and current network management policies, installation in campus labs is very difficult, especially compared to your installation. With enough support for WCG from the campus community, iTech might change their minds- and we’ll be changing the world for the better either way, thanks to contributions from you and I!