How to crunch only when screensaver is active?

Questions and Answers : Macintosh : How to crunch only when screensaver is active?
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Huxley Dunsany

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Message 549611 - Posted: 20 Apr 2007, 14:21:54 UTC

Hi guys!

I'm rejoining S@H after a long absence, and I'm trying to get caught up with all this new BOINC stuff. I've got a 17" MacBook Pro to work on now (a LOT more powerful than my old system), so I'm not lacking horsepower anymore.

So, here's my question: I've got everything installed and set up (as far as I can tell, anyway), and when I fire up the BOINCManager, it starts happily crunching away, 100% on both CPU cores. Great. However, what I need is for it to only process work units while the screensaver is active, and not during the rest of the time (when I'm actually using the computer). If I activate the screensaver (using my hot corner), it works fine - connects to the BOINC application and starts working. However, when I leave the screensaver, and try to get back to work, the S@H processes are still running full-blast on both CPU cores, and I have to manually open the BOINCManager and go into "Snooze" mode. This seems strange to me.

Anyway, any pointers would be great - I can't shake the feeling that I'm just missing some crucial checkbox somewhere...

Thanks a bunch,

Huxley
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Dotsch
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Message 549677 - Posted: 20 Apr 2007, 17:24:43 UTC

I never has tried out to let it running as screensaver only.

But, you can setup BOINC, that is start the science application only, if you are not working at your system. At the SETI website under "your account" / "General Pereferences" / Change "Do work while computer is in use?" to no.

I think, it is also a good idea to reduce the CPU on a Laptop. BOINC 5.8.x has CPU Throtteling included. You can setup it at the gerneal preferences with the option "Use at most ... percent of CPU time". I have made a good expirance to set the two CPU cores at about 20 to 40 % to reduce the heat and fan noise on my Mac Book.

Also, I think it is no problem to set the CPU throtteling to a low value and let the SETI processes always running. The SETI projecesses are running at the lowest priority and your OS is reducing the CPU automaticly, if your working processes (with normal priority) needs CPU time.
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Grant Morphett

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Message 555731 - Posted: 29 Apr 2007, 4:22:37 UTC

I have exactly the same problem. It's always crunching and I only want it to run when the screensaver is active. Very frustrating. If anyone has any clues that would be great. Both my wife and I use this computer so I installed in "everyone" mode to ensure Boinc will always run. Dunno if that makes a difference. Thanks.
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Dotsch
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Message 555835 - Posted: 29 Apr 2007, 11:34:18 UTC - in response to Message 555731.  

I have exactly the same problem. It's always crunching and I only want it to run when the screensaver is active. Very frustrating. If anyone has any clues that would be great. Both my wife and I use this computer so I installed in "everyone" mode to ensure Boinc will always run. Dunno if that makes a difference. Thanks.

Please look at the first solution on my last posting. This is simliar so a screensaver only setup.
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Questions and Answers : Macintosh : How to crunch only when screensaver is active?


 
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