. . So, are you applying for the job ? :)
. . Personally I would recommend starting a new thread and trying to keep it up to date and relevant. But since no one can delete messages and only moderators can hide messages, good luck trying to keep it lean and tidy.
. . Another approach is if you are scrounging through the older messages and find something that is relevant but needs updating, quote it to bring it to the top of the thread and edit it to make it up to date.

Stephen

i'd absolutely update it if i had access to edit the OP.

i dont want to delete all the thread content. i just want all the up to date content added to the first post of this whole thread.

or a sticky thread that only has a single post, locked topic, as a repository for all the current information and links to the apps (lots of old links out there, some work some dont)

that way when someone clicks this, they dont get outdated info. say someone new to seti reads this thread, they start at the beginning and start downloading all the old links (which may or may not even work anymore), and they start running cuda80 apps. that's a waste of time when they should be skipping all that to begin with.

. . OK I'll bite, what is the OP?

. . The problem with amending old messages is that messages can only be edited within the first hour after posting, after that they are locked in stone. So the only way to update them is the method I described earlier, quote the message to bring it to the top of the thread and amend the details in that message. I have done this a couple of times but even those are out of date and long buried in the flow of messages since.

. . The idea of a sticky thread with only limited write access to act as a reference is appealing, but even then the messages are locked after the hour has past and cannot be amended. And even that solution would require the agreement of and action by the moderators which I am doubtful we would get because this is not about a crunching app that has been through the approval process. . The only way I know of to provided a fixed reference that doesn't 'expire' is to upload a file to some hosting site and keep that file up to date with the link being reposted from time to time.

. . I have considered these options and discounted them all because I am not about to pay for a hosting site and I do not have moderator access. But you may have ideas on how to overcome that problem.

. . And before you approach the moderator's remember that they, like everyone else here, are volunteers and their position requires them to attend to many other functions in the forums as well.

. . To every solution there is another problem.

Stephen

:(

If you mention CUDA Special and Windows in the same sentence, the first post will be ... I just trashed all my work units. Why?

Probably true, sadly. As stated previously, the only way a Windows user should be exposed to the special app is through a native Windows application either as the stock app from Main or through an updated Lunatics installer.

. . I sort of agree, for the majority of Windows users that is the way it would need to be available for them.

. . But first someone has to port it to Windows.

Stephen

:)

. . OK I'll bite, what is the OP?

. . The problem with amending old messages is that messages can only be edited within the first hour after posting, after that they are locked in stone. So the only way to update them is the method I described earlier, quote the message to bring it to the top of the thread and amend the details in that message. I have done this a couple of times but even those are out of date and long buried in the flow of messages since.

Nope. OP = Original Post.
You as originator of the thread can change the thread title at any time. Years from now as long as the moderators haven't completely locked the thread.

Make a new post to the thread, not as a reply or a quote. Just type "this is a test for changing the title" Post it. Then go back right away and edit the post. At the top of the post will be a edit line for changing the thread title. Now you can leave your original text in or just blank it out with a space. Post it and you will see the thread title change to what you just changed it to.

---

Seti@Home classic workunits:20,676 CPU time:74,226 hours

A proud member of the OFA (Old Farts Association)

If you mention CUDA Special and Windows in the same sentence, the first post will be ... I just trashed all my work units. Why?

Agreed, windows should not appear anywhere in the same sentence. Give wrong impression. More like, those wanting to switch from Windows to Linux.

. . Well the initial purpose was to provide a path for Windows users to dip their toes in the water and try Linux, so they can access the Special App, without abandoning their current set up. To throw out Windows and jump on the Linux boat is a big step for anyone who knows nothing about Linux (I know because that was where I started from) hence the approach of mounting Linux on a flash or external USB drive. If it fails to satisfy or proves too difficult, just abort all undone WUs, power down and remove the USB device before powering back up and voila, back where you started with no damage done.

. . Anyone already comfortable with Linux probably wouldn't need the earlier content of this thread.

Stephen

? ?

. . OK I'll bite, what is the OP?

. . The problem with amending old messages is that messages can only be edited within the first hour after posting, after that they are locked in stone. So the only way to update them is the method I described earlier, quote the message to bring it to the top of the thread and amend the details in that message. I have done this a couple of times but even those are out of date and long buried in the flow of messages since.

Nope. OP = Original Post.
You as originator of the thread can change the thread title at any time. Years from now as long as the moderators haven't completely locked the thread.

Make a new post to the thread, not as a reply or a quote. Just type "this is a test for changing the title" Post it. Then go back right away and edit the post. At the top of the post will be a edit line for changing the thread title. Now you can leave your original text in or just blank it out with a space. Post it and you will see the thread title change to what you just changed it to.

. . OK, I have already change the title a couple of times, long ago, because of this very reason. Some people came here expecting to be able to run the Special App under windows. But I feel I need to keep the Windows Users part in the title because they are the people I was trying to reach. Windows users who want to have access to the Special App but are scared sh*&^ess about trying Linux.

. . I am pleased that it reached so many users, and has become a good means of support and info for the app, but I am loath to abandon that original intent.

Stephen

:)

. . Time to update the thread name ...

. . Does that meet the need?

Stephen

? :)

. . Time to update the thread name ...

. . Does that meet the need?

Stephen

? :)

OK, slightly less confusing and more true to what's currently available. Still, baitfish for Windows users to get hooked and reeled in to confusion and sorrow. Probably.

As a complete noob, I think I would interpret the message to mean something along the lines, "oh you want me to install a VM of Linux and I will then be able to crunch my Windows BOINC SETI folder with CUDA90"

---

Seti@Home classic workunits:20,676 CPU time:74,226 hours

A proud member of the OFA (Old Farts Association)

As a complete noob, I think I would interpret the message to mean something along the lines, "oh you want me to install a VM of Linux and I will then be able to crunch my Windows BOINC SETI folder with CUDA90"

A complete noob wouldn't have the slightest clue of what a VM was, let alone that something like that is possible.

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Grant
Darwin NT

honestly, since ubuntu is so flexible, someone should just go through the process of making an ubuntu install, install nvidia drivers and boinc, pre-install the special app, then image the whole install to an .iso file.

distribute the .iso to be burned to a flash drive or whatever.

boom, truly an easy setup for people who dont know linux.

all they'd have to do is:
-burn the iso to a USB drive making it bootable with rufus.
-boot to the USB drive
-load BOINC and input your information
-configure your compute and whatever other settings (same as windows)
-done.

i did something similar recently, minus the .iso step because i do not know how to convert a working install to an .iso file. i used my laptop, an ubuntu installer, and a spare 16GB flash drive as the target media. i installed ubuntu to the USB, then installed nvidia drivers, special app, and all the other configuration necessary all using my laptop which doesnt even have a nvidia gpu. i then took that USB stick to another computer, booted it and it ran perfectly just as if i had spent the time to install it straight using that system.

---

Seti@Home classic workunits: 29,492 CPU time: 134,419 hours

honestly, since ubuntu is so flexible, someone should just go through the process of making an ubuntu install, install nvidia drivers and boinc, pre-install the special app, then image the whole install to an .iso file.

distribute the .iso to be burned to a flash drive or whatever.

boom, truly an easy setup for people who dont know linux.

all they'd have to do is:
-burn the iso to a USB drive making it bootable with rufus.
-boot to the USB drive
-load BOINC and input your information
-configure your compute and whatever other settings (same as windows)
-done.

i did something similar recently, minus the .iso step because i do not know how to convert a working install to an .iso file. i used my laptop, an ubuntu installer, and a spare 16GB flash drive as the target media. i installed ubuntu to the USB, then installed nvidia drivers, special app, and all the other configuration necessary all using my laptop which doesnt even have a nvidia gpu. i then took that USB stick to another computer, booted it and it ran perfectly just as if i had spent the time to install it straight using that system.

. . That is what Raistmer has been trying to do, but I think he wants a working Linux system on a flashdrive that he can plug into ANY PC and test it with.

Stephen

. .

As a complete noob, I think I would interpret the message to mean something along the lines, "oh you want me to install a VM of Linux and I will then be able to crunch my Windows BOINC SETI folder with CUDA90"

A complete noob wouldn't have the slightest clue of what a VM was, let alone that something like that is possible.

A complete noob isn't going to read through over 1200 posts either.

IMO New app, new thread.

Yes, I think Steven ran BOINC from a USB stick for the longest time. You have the right idea of just making an .iso of a complete installation. Just like you would boot a image file for a VM. I think the problem would be what if the hardware of the new target VM iso machine is sufficiently different from the original system that the VM image was made from. I don't know if that is a case that is handled by a VM image regularly or not. I only played with a VM way back in my OS/2 days. I know the VM technology has changed dramatically since then.

But this idea has the most merit of succeeding in making a one click installation for a noob Windows user.

---

Seti@Home classic workunits:20,676 CPU time:74,226 hours

A proud member of the OFA (Old Farts Association)

honestly, since ubuntu is so flexible, someone should just go through the process of making an ubuntu install, install nvidia drivers and boinc, pre-install the special app, then image the whole install to an .iso file.

distribute the .iso to be burned to a flash drive or whatever.

boom, truly an easy setup for people who dont know linux.

all they'd have to do is:
-burn the iso to a USB drive making it bootable with rufus.
-boot to the USB drive
-load BOINC and input your information
-configure your compute and whatever other settings (same as windows)
-done.

i did something similar recently, minus the .iso step because i do not know how to convert a working install to an .iso file. i used my laptop, an ubuntu installer, and a spare 16GB flash drive as the target media. i installed ubuntu to the USB, then installed nvidia drivers, special app, and all the other configuration necessary all using my laptop which doesnt even have a nvidia gpu. i then took that USB stick to another computer, booted it and it ran perfectly just as if i had spent the time to install it straight using that system.

. . That is what Raistmer has been trying to do, but I think he wants a working Linux system on a flashdrive that he can plug into ANY PC and test it with.

Stephen

. .

that's essentially what i have. a working linux install on a USB.

im 90% sure what i have will work with any newer intel based system with a newer nvidia GPU. i figured a "special app one click" type getup wouldnt need any AMD (GPU) support since AMD cards dont have CUDA. im sure it'll still boot with an AMD system, it just wont use the CUDA app and would probably just download the SoG ATI app by itself.

i only tried it on a couple of my PCs here though.

---

Seti@Home classic workunits: 29,492 CPU time: 134,419 hours

that's essentially what i have. a working linux install on a USB.

im 90% sure what i have will work with any newer intel based system with a newer nvidia GPU. i figured a "special app one click" type getup wouldnt need any AMD (GPU) support since AMD cards dont have CUDA. im sure it'll still boot with an AMD system, it just wont use the CUDA app and would probably just download the SoG ATI app by itself.

i only tried it on a couple of my PCs here though.

No, it can't download an ATI app if that is what is in the system. To run the special app you have to run anonymous platform. With anonymous platform you have to specifically state all your intended applications you want to run. The schedulers have no involvement in deciding what to send you. You are the one defining what the scheduler sends you based on your app_info.

---

Seti@Home classic workunits:20,676 CPU time:74,226 hours

A proud member of the OFA (Old Farts Association)

that's essentially what i have. a working linux install on a USB.

im 90% sure what i have will work with any newer intel based system with a newer nvidia GPU. i figured a "special app one click" type getup wouldnt need any AMD (GPU) support since AMD cards dont have CUDA. im sure it'll still boot with an AMD system, it just wont use the CUDA app and would probably just download the SoG ATI app by itself.

i only tried it on a couple of my PCs here though.

No, it can't download an ATI app if that is what is in the system. To run the special app you have to run anonymous platform. With anonymous platform you have to specifically state all your intended applications you want to run. The schedulers have no involvement in deciding what to send you. You are the one defining what the scheduler sends you based on your app_info.

ah ok. i wonder if it's possible to setup the app_info to differentiate between card types?

im not sure what would happen if i plugged it into a system with an AMD GPU then, if it will try to run and trash the WU, or if it just doesnt run at all (which would be ideal honestly). i'll try it after the contest.

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Seti@Home classic workunits: 29,492 CPU time: 134,419 hours

. . That is what Raistmer has been trying to do, but I think he wants a working Linux system on a flashdrive that he can plug into ANY PC and test it with.
Stephen

that's essentially what i have. a working linux install on a USB.

im 90% sure what i have will work with any newer intel based system with a newer nvidia GPU. i figured a "special app one click" type getup wouldnt need any AMD (GPU) support since AMD cards dont have CUDA. im sure it'll still boot with an AMD system, it just wont use the CUDA app and would probably just download the SoG ATI app by itself.

i only tried it on a couple of my PCs here though.

. . Well that is an idea worth pursuing if you have time to write up a detailed description that a totally Linux unaware Windows user could follow to implement it. But who would host the iso file for download? Maybe Arkayn would?

Stephen

?

Yes, I think Steven ran BOINC from a USB stick for the longest time. You have the right idea of just making an .iso of a complete installation. Just like you would boot a image file for a VM. I think the problem would be what if the hardware of the new target VM iso machine is sufficiently different from the original system that the VM image was made from. I don't know if that is a case that is handled by a VM image regularly or not. I only played with a VM way back in my OS/2 days. I know the VM technology has changed dramatically since then.

But this idea has the most merit of succeeding in making a one click installation for a noob Windows user.

. . I still am. I lost one system to a faulty mobo but the other 2 are still running off USB drives. The older system off a 16GB flashdrive and the newer one off a 32GB flashdrive. I did plug the USB drive from the deceased unit into the replacement/rebuild and it ran even though the new rig was a Ryzen7-1700 in place of the original Pentium-D processor. But I couldn't update it so it was not viable to take over and run that rig as a CUDA 90 cruncher. There may have been or even still be a way to update it to a later release of both the OS and the app but again, that is above my pay grade.

Stephen

:)

ah ok. i wonder if it's possible to setup the app_info to differentiate between card types?

If you are talking about going from two gtx 1060 3GB to two gtx 750Ti's without changing anything in Lubuntu or the app_info.xml or anything, I have done that.

Tom

---

A proud member of the OFA (Old Farts Association).

boom, truly an easy setup for people who dont know linux.

all they'd have to do is:
-burn the iso to a USB drive making it bootable with rufus.
-boot to the USB drive
-load BOINC and input your information
-configure your compute and whatever other settings (same as windows)
-done.

Yes, this would be really great if it can be done...

Yes, this would be really great if it can be done...

So we need to clone a "working system" that doesn't have any of the project information included? But does have all the CUDA90 setup.

Maybe this would work?
http://www.linuxandubuntu.com/home/make-your-very-own-customized-linux-distro-from-your-current-installation

Tom

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A proud member of the OFA (Old Farts Association).