The VH Trade Site Forums Archives

[Scott Roberts]

Help VHTrading find a cure for Cancer!

How can I help?

Step One - Download the UD Agent from United Devices website.
Step Two - Install the Agent and beginning processing work units.
Step Three - Visit the Team VHTrading Webpage at United Devices to Join Team VHTrading.

What is Team VHTrading?

"Team VHTrading" is our entry in the Intel-United Devices Cancer Research Project. We're made up of hardcore Van Halen fans and collectors who have joined our effort to help search for a cure for cancer. Whether you're a VH trader or not, everyone is welcome and encouraged to join up!

What is the project?

The project is being co-ordinated by the Oxford University and The National Foundation for Cancer Research, along with Intel and United Devices. It is a peer-to-peer program, which combines the computing power of over 1,000,000 computers to help evaluate potential cures for cancer. You start with a target protein, then thousands of different combinations of molecules are evaluated against the protein. When it finds a potential match, it is marked as a hit. The results are then compiled so that scientists will know which molecules offer promise of a cure.

How can I participate?

You can participate by donating your computer's spare processing power that it isn't using. All you need to do is download and install the UD Agent program. The program runs in the background without disturbing your computer, where it performs computation chemistry. After the program finishes with its sequence of molecules, the results are transmitted to the United Devices server, and a new work task is downloaded.

What if I don't have much spare processing power?

It's no problem. If you have an older, slower computer, or if you just constantly use gigantic programs that are extremely taxing on your CPU's memory and resources, you can still help out. You can configure the UD agent to activate as a screen saver when you're away from your computer. Or if you're someone who leaves their computer running 24 hours a day, you can have the UD Agent execute overnight while you're sleeping.

Do I need to be connected to the internet in order for the program to work?

No. If the UD agent completes a task while you're disconnected, it will simply wait until the computer is connected again to transmit data and receive a new task.

Is the UD agent spyware? Will it (or can it) scan my hard drive for confidential data?

No. The program is safe and secure and will not detect or transmit any other files from your computer.

What are points?

Each participating member generates points based on their contribution to the project. Points are awarded based on a calculation using the CPU time used to complete a task along with the power of your machine. Machine power is a weighted calculation taking into account your CPU Power, RAM, Drive Space and Internet Connection. By joining Team VHTrading, your results will also be added to our team total. Points are also used for promotional programs, such as contests and for charitable donations.

Where can I get more information?

Feel free to ask your fellow teammates for help, or check out the United Devices Member Message Board at http://forum.ud.com/ubbcgi/Ultimatebb.cgi. It's a great site for information.

[Big Bad Bill]

Awesome, Scott! :)

[Anonymous]

Yep, this is great idea! :thumb: