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Can I change projects before the WU finishes?

Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2020 3:00 pm
by StreetWill
I would like my Macs to be working on Corvid-19 projects for now. As recommended the default setting of Any is set in Cause Preference.

One of my computers is currently working on a cancer project - can I force the process to end and pick up a WU from another project?

Re: Can I change projects before the WU finishes?

Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2020 3:35 pm
by Jesse_V
Hi and welcome to the forum.

This is possible, but I strongly recommend against it. The coronavirus projects are currently served with a high priority; meaning you are statistically more likely to pick a project about the coronavirus than any other disease at the moment. However, F@h's userbase had a 10x increase in its userbase over the course of a few weeks, which has led to workunits being consumed faster than they can be generated. As a result, when the coronavirus queue is empty and waiting for completed returns, you may get other projects to work on. Once your current workunit completes, your Mac is likely to get coronavirus work.

Re: Can I change projects before the WU finishes?

Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2020 3:39 pm
by ilhaguru
They seem to run out of COVID projects every now and then. Just keep working on the cancer project so that nobody has to do it again, and when the next COVID projects are uploaded, they go to work right away.

Re: Can I change projects before the WU finishes?

Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2020 3:57 pm
by JimboPalmer
The worst case scenario is that you inadvertently help cure cancer. I have a hard time finding a downside to that.

Re: Can I change projects before the WU finishes?

Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2020 4:01 pm
by StreetWill
Hmmmm.... Those are very clear answers indeed, thank you.

"Inadvertently cure cancer"... :)

Re: Can I change projects before the WU finishes?

Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2020 4:56 pm
by Jonazz
If you end a WU, this slows down the science being done. The WU will only get reassigned after the timeout. The FAH team has repeatedly stated that a quick return of WU's are important. So late returns are harmful ;)