Advice for a new user

[Stephenish]

Hi, I've just started up three -smp machines and I am uncertain if I am running the process correctly. I have made FAH6 shortcuts on my desktops. Whenever I restart my machines, from Windows Update needing a restart to my AV needing a restart, I simply run the FAH6 shortcut to get the running commentary on the cores' processing. Is this the correct method?

I could not install as a service (my preferred method) as I apparently did not have Admin rights on what I thought was a Windows Admin account.

I would like to run F@H on a limited user account, as this method is less risky in re: unwanted intruders from cyberspace (of which I've had a few). Is there a method to do this?

Also, I was wondering if there was a guide to operating the core. I need to know how to shut the core down properly and things such as this. Also, where do I find a complete list of all the switches?

Thanks in advance.

[Jonazz]

I'm not used to run the SMP version so I can't help you there. However, downloading the V7 client (still in beta though) will make it easier to install everything correctly.

[Zagen30]

Switches: http://fahwiki.net/index.php/How_do_I_k ... they_do%3F

The recommended shutdown method for v6 is Ctrl+C.

If the console window shows the progress percentage steadily increasing, then everything's working properly.

I second JonazzDJ's suggestion of trying out v7.

You could put the client in the Startup folder as an alternative to running it as a service.

[Stephenish]

How do you put the client in the Startup folder? Drag and drop?

[Zagen30]

That, or copy/paste. Actually, you should make sure you have a shortcut in the Startup folder since the client won't run properly if the original .exe is there.

[Stephenish]

Where is the startup folder?

[Zagen30]

Start -> Programs -> Startup; right click it and hit Open to get the full-size view. You should also be able to find it under your user account folder somewhere (in XP it's [user] -> Start menu -> Programs -> Startup, I'm sure it's something similar in 7).

[Stephenish]

nm, found it. tyvm. very useful switches link, also. tyvm.

[Stephenish]

Actually, in 7 the darn folder is fairly well buried. Search found the thing for me, though.

[Stephenish]

By the way, I get the same improper termination message whether I shut down Windows 7 with the client running, or if I close the client with CTRL C. Hmm, perhaps there is no correct method for shutdown?

[bruce]

Welcome to foldingforum.org, Stephenish.

Your method of starting FAH is certainly a reasonable one. Upgrading to the V7 beta is a good suggestion, too. The new client is MUCH simpler to install, but for SMP, the cores being used and the science being done is identical.

There is no operating guide for the core. You manage the options for the Client. The core is under the direct control of the client. The improper shutdown message is actually a holdover from the Uniprocessor client and can safely be ignored with the SMP cores.

Personally, I change the choices for Windows Update so that it does not reboot. Depending on which version of Windows you have, there's an option to notify me but not install and there may or may not be and option to download but not install. Then the decision of what to install and when is in my hands, not in Microsoft's.

FAH is very concerned about exposing donor systems to unwanted intruders. The client is carefully designed so that it only contacts Stanford University and the sites where FAH researchers are working. These sites are carefully chosen and are reputable sites which are secure from unwanted intruders. FAH does need an account which can contact the internet on a regular basis. It needs a read/write directory for it's working files plus read/access to the software that you downloaded. In daily use, it does not need administrative privileges (except to install/uninstall a service). FAH does use the loopback address to communicate between the various tasks that it runs, so you will see it asking for firewall permissions.

[fortiz1973]

Ok, I'm running Linux Zorin core 5 64bit, and it looks like the process is working, but my question is how can I see the actual progress (the simulation window)? I'm kind of new to linux too, still learning how to open programs on it.

[bruce]

Ok, I'm running Linux Zorin core 5 64bit, and it looks like the process is working, but my question is how can I see the actual progress (the simulation window)? I'm kind of new to linux too, still learning how to open programs on it.

When you run any of the text-based versions of the client, the log is echoed to the screen. You'll see progress reported every 1% along with timestamps in UTC.

Code: Select all

01:02:05:Unit 00:Completed 37500 out of 250000 steps  (15%)
01:18:43:Unit 00:Writing local files
01:18:44:Unit 00:Completed 40000 out of 250000 steps  (16%)
01:35:21:Unit 00:Writing local files
01:35:21:Unit 00:Completed 42500 out of 250000 steps  (17%)
01:52:09:Unit 00:Writing local files
01:52:09:Unit 00:Completed 45000 out of 250000 steps  (18%)
02:08:52:Unit 00:Writing local files
02:08:53:Unit 00:Completed 47500 out of 250000 steps  (19%)
02:25:39:Unit 00:Writing local files
02:25:39:Unit 00:Completed 50000 out of 250000 steps  (20%)
02:42:22:Unit 00:Writing local files
02:42:22:Unit 00:Completed 52500 out of 250000 steps  (21%)
02:59:05:Unit 00:Writing local files
02:59:06:Unit 00:Completed 55000 out of 250000 steps  (22%)
03:15:49:Unit 00:Writing local files
03:15:49:Unit 00:Completed 57500 out of 250000 steps  (23%)
03:32:36:Unit 00:Writing local files
03:32:36:Unit 00:Completed 60000 out of 250000 steps  (24%)
03:49:14:Unit 00:Writing local files
03:49:14:Unit 00:Completed 62500 out of 250000 steps  (25%)

This is from V7 when running a single slot. If there are multiple slots running, the messages will be intermixed but the ":Unit 00" part will tell you which WU is making the progress report. If you're running V6, there will only be one WU and the "Unit 00" part isn't present.

[Grandpa_01]

Just in case you want it here is the link to v7 and the install guides. viewtopic.php?f=67&t=18302

[fortiz1973]

Question, how can I stop the terminal from getting another WU? so I can trying doing other things, like upgrading it to the next version. I'm using the 6.02 version of Linux, also is there a way to see the simulation in progress in Linux?