If BOINC runs at the same time as Windows XP 3D screensavers, the system becomes sluggish and unresponsive.

I was just wondering if someone might ever get around to fixing this. This issue has become a big problem for me.

Once my screen saver turns on, and I then go back to my computer and wake it up; the screen freezes, fashed the BONIC 3D screansaver, then it flashed back to the program I had running. I then can use my mouse for about 10 seconds before it repeats its self.

Is there a way I can turn off the 3d Screan saver but still have my computer run BONIC when it goes into sleep mode?

Thanks for anybodys help!!

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Hello Jennye,

You can chose whatever screensaver you like from the XP desktop preferences.

I use 'Blank screen' as it uses the least CPU, so nothing to be taken away from the precious Boinc ;)

Boinc runs independent from the saver.

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Gruesse vom Saenger

For questions about Boinc look in the BOINC-Wiki

I too use the "blank screen" screensaver. Just right click on desktop, go to the screen saver tab, and pick from the list.

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> If BOINC runs at the same time as Windows XP 3D screensavers, the system
> becomes sluggish and unresponsive.
>
> I was just wondering if someone might ever get around to fixing this. This
> issue has become a big problem for me.
>
> Once my screen saver turns on, and I then go back to my computer and wake it
> up; the screen freezes, fashed the BONIC 3D screansaver, then it flashed back
> to the program I had running. I then can use my mouse for about 10 seconds
> before it repeats its self.
>
> Is there a way I can turn off the 3d Screan saver but still have my computer
> run BONIC when it goes into sleep mode?
>
> Thanks for anybodys help!!

Yes, and it's actually very easy ;) I've set windows to use no screensavers at all - and boinc keeps crunching. I actually only use the screensaver for test purposes and by pressing the Priview button.

Only, make sure you've set "Do work while computer is in use?" in the generel preferences (found on your account page at this web site) to Yes or the boinc client is set to Run always.

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This is a definite problem. It was reported back in March on the BOINC developer mailing list. See here for the thread. I'm not sure if any more attention has been paid to it since then.

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A member of The Knights Who Say NI!
For rankings, history graphs and more, check out:
My BOINC stats site

This is a problem with all DC projects, not just BOINC. It has been around for a long time. It is something that microsoft will most likely have to fix. The windows 3D screensavers run at very low priority, possibly as part of the system idle process. The project will not give up any CPU time and the screensaver's priority is too low to break in. Since the screensavers are tied to windows the system gets stuck.

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BOINC WIKI

BOINCing since 2002/12/8

I use no screendaver, but I usually leave the BOINC screensaver, when I'm bored, so my graphics card takes care of the graphics, not the CPU

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Another thing to do is to set Windows to turn off the monitor when not used such as at time when you're not at home. That's what I do before I go to work. No screensaver taking CPU cycles from BOINC.

L8R....

T'Khasi Time: Wednesday, 20 April 2005 - 06:20 AM --700 (Pacific Standard Time)

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CAPT Siran d'Vel'nahr - L L & P _\\//
Winders 11 OS? "What a piece of junk!" - L. Skywalker
"Logic is the cement of our civilization with which we ascend from chaos using reason as our guide." - T'Plana-hath

> If BOINC runs at the same time as Windows XP 3D screensavers, the system
> becomes sluggish and unresponsive.
>
> I was just wondering if someone might ever get around to fixing this. This
> issue has become a big problem for me.
>
> Once my screen saver turns on, and I then go back to my computer and wake it
> up; the screen freezes, fashed the BONIC 3D screansaver, then it flashed back
> to the program I had running. I then can use my mouse for about 10 seconds
> before it repeats its self.
>
> Is there a way I can turn off the 3d Screan saver but still have my computer
> run BONIC when it goes into sleep mode?
>
> Thanks for anybodys help!!
>

1. Don't use ANY screensaver.

2. Use your monitors ON/OFF switch.

3. Voila! Problem solved.

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> 1. Don't use ANY screensaver.
>
> 2. Use your monitors ON/OFF switch.
>
> 3. Voila! Problem solved.

A good LCD draws almost nothing, so not much to save. The one I'm using here draws 16 watts.

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> A good LCD draws almost nothing, so not much to save. The one I'm using here
> draws 16 watts.

True enough ... now all you have to worry about is the lifetime of the LCD backlight lamp ...

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When the lamp dies, you can always remove it and put a mirror behind the panel. You'd have to supply your own light, of course...

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> When the lamp dies, you can always remove it and put a mirror behind the
> panel. You'd have to supply your own light, of course...
>
Why not just buy a new one?

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What's cheaper: A model-specific lamp or cutting mirror to fit?

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I have not had one die yet, but my understanding is that the lamps are pretty expensive to buy and have put in ...

Prices of the LCD Displays is coming down nicely so it may be less of a problem to replace them by just buying a new display.

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> I have not had one die yet, but my understanding is that the lamps are pretty
> expensive to buy and have put in ...
>
> Prices of the LCD Displays is coming down nicely so it may be less of a
> problem to replace them by just buying a new display.

The big secret is buying the lamps and for that matter the LCD panels as "electronic components" instead of buying them as computer repair parts.

There are a number of companies that do just that....

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