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FAH Flags Discussion

A

AtomicMoose

[H]F Junkie
Joined
Sep 26, 2001
Messages
11,803
Marty had some good ideas over here in this thread.

Let's talk about the different Flags that can be used with FAH, what they mean, what they do, when to use them and when not to. As was stated in the other thread, there is a lot of knowledge here....let's get it down in writing.

Everything from hard numbers, to what has worked best for you and your farm. GO!

 
Let's get this one out of the way:

-local - only needed if you are running multiple instances of FAH on one machine. You need separate executables in separate folders, and the shortcut for each needs to have the -local flag. There is no known penalty/benefit for using the -local flag in and of itself.
 
Need to double check, but actually I don't think you need -local to run > 1 instance.
 
I've never used the -local flag and I haven't had any problems running multiple instances.
 
did the -local flag get deprecated with the newer version of the client?
 
It may have when run as a service.... since the service refers to a specific directory.... But they may have coded in an effective local switch?


Keep on Folding!! For the [H]orde!!

 
Mohonri said:
did the -local flag get deprecated with the newer version of the client?
Click to expand...
its still there...and i think it is more important on a mac and maybe linux....i know on a mac...no matter where you start it from, it puts the files under ~/library/Folding@home unless you use the -local flag

and i think OSUguy is on the money for the windows side
 
I dunno, I think when you make a config... fah-whatever -configonly -local it ensures that it doesn't use the registry. I prefer that, so I always make my config like that.

-joeb0b
 
If you don't care about FAH making entries in the registry (Windows Only) then don't bother running the -local flag with one instance. It is useless unless you run more than instance on a machine.
 
So I think we covered -local... What is so great about -forceasm?

-joeb0b
 
joeb0b said:
So I think we covered -local... What is so great about -forceasm?

-joeb0b
Click to expand...


It foces the use of the SSE instruction set in case of an improper shutdown. It make the use of SSE as default setting. It will only be of use when a) the computer supports it b) the core can use it on the protien at hand. It works on a large number of protiens and can reduce the amount of time to complete a protien about twice as much.

 
It's good to always use -forceasm on any system that you are certain is stable. It is great for power outages or other times when a box is reset unexpectedly. I always put it in scripts for boxen that I don't FAH running as a service and make sure that the registry is edited to have -forceasm in it for boxen that are runnign FAH as service.

(on the -local, I have never used it on systems that are running 2 instances and have yet to have a problem. I do run the 2 instances from seperate folders though.)
 
OK, on to -configonly.

Use this flag when making changes to the setup of the FAH client with out losing work progress.
 
AtomicMoose said:
OK, on to -configonly.

Use this flag when making changes to the setup of the FAH client with out losing work progress.
Click to expand...

I always create a shortcut and add it to the path.... I keep that shortcut in the directory with F@H, and anytime I need to modify something, I run it....



Keep on Folding!! For the [H]orde!!

 
AtomicMoose said:
OK, on to -configonly.

Use this flag when making changes to the setup of the FAH client with out losing work progress.
Click to expand...
Note that you need to make sure the client (whether a service or not) is not already running when you use the -configonly flag. If the client is running already, stop it, run it with the -configonly flag, finish your work on the config, then restart the client.
 
Ok guys, how about this flag: -advmethods

I have a few Intel P4 borgs (~512MB ram) at my parents/siblings homes (in a distant state). I originally set them up with the overclockers on-step installer a while ago. If I have a chance to check on them during the holidays, what flags should I put on them? Currently, I think they just have the -advmethods flag on them...

Oh, and btw, how do I change the flag on a running service? Stop the service, run it as config only and then restart it in the services control panel???

Thanks!
 
Katabatic[H] said:
Ok guys, how about this flag: -advmethods

I have a few Intel P4 borgs (~512MB ram) at my parents/siblings homes (in a distant state). I originally set them up with the overclockers on-step installer a while ago. If I have a chance to check on them during the holidays, what flags should I put on them? Currently, I think they just have the -advmethods flag on them...

Oh, and btw, how do I change the flag on a running service? Stop the service, run it as config only and then restart it in the services control panel???

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Marty suggests (& he has enough boxen running to know..) that for the current assignments of WU, you will end up getting more points by NOT using -advmethods

Run the -configonly & set for big packets (or big WU) and turn off -advmethods

Changing flag on running service: If the option is settable with the -config option, your method is correct I believe, but if you want to add a flag such as -forceasm or -verbosity 9 that cannot be set inside the -config function, then you will have to stop the service, edit the registry, then restart the service (I don't really know if you have to restart windows after you edit the registry, but I usually do)

Editing the registry is a exacting process, that I've had 1 too many glasses of wine to describe right now....& I never touch my registry if I've had more than 1/2 glass of wine !!

Please note that I claim no expertise here... just stating what I do.....:)

RPhArrow --\\\------------------------------------>
 
if you're changing the flags on the service entry (in the registry), you don't need to restart your computer. Just stop the FAH service, make your changes, and restart it.
 
I tried the -oneunit flag the other day, and it didn't stop after completion. Does this flag work when running as a service?

Another question...
What is the flag for big WUs? I don't see it on the stanford site. And, does this work with all CPUs (AMD, Intel, etc.).

 
The "big units" setting is in client.cfg, rather than in a flag on the executable. I believe it's in the "advanced configuration" part of the setup.
 
Mohonri said:
The "big units" setting is in client.cfg, rather than in a flag on the executable. I believe it's in the "advanced configuration" part of the setup.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I'll check it out.

 
Celerator said:
I tried the -oneunit flag the other day, and it didn't stop after completion. Does this flag work when running as a service?

yes, but you must stop the service and then restart for it to take effect

Another question...
What is the flag for big WUs? I don't see it on the stanford site. And, does this work with all CPUs (AMD, Intel, etc.).

Click to expand...

all cpu's
bigpackets=yes
 
Mohonri said:
The "big units" setting is in client.cfg, rather than in a flag on the executable. I believe it's in the "advanced configuration" part of the setup.
Click to expand...

nope:


[settings]
username=XXXXX
team=33
asknet=no
bigpackets=yes
machineid=1
 
RPhArrow said:
Marty suggests (& he has enough boxen running to know..) that for the current assignments of WU, you will end up getting more points by NOT using -advmethods

Run the -configonly & set for big packets (or big WU) and turn off -advmethods

Changing flag on running service: If the option is settable with the -config option, your method is correct I believe, but if you want to add a flag such as -forceasm or -verbosity 9 that cannot be set inside the -config function, then you will have to stop the service, edit the registry, then restart the service (I don't really know if you have to restart windows after you edit the registry, but I usually do)

Editing the registry is a exacting process, that I've had 1 too many glasses of wine to describe right now....& I never touch my registry if I've had more than 1/2 glass of wine !!

Please note that I claim no expertise here... just stating what I do.....:)

RPhArrow --\\\------------------------------------>
Click to expand...

The original thought on –advmethods was to help your client reject Tinkers. Notice I said, “help”, if nothing else is available or Stanford is pushing Tinkers you might still get a few.

The –forceasm flag is designed to reinstate your client to it’s original –forceasm condition should you experience a crash. If you don’t use the –forceasm flag and you do crash you will notice your client go into stable mode and become much slower.

If you want big work units then turn it on under advanced settings using –configonly.

Keep one thing in mind though, Stanford’s assignments server (s) have no idea what settings your computer have. If you have big units turned on and Stanford decides to send some your way your client will accept them, with big units off the client will reject them.

The reason Marty and FLECOM get more work this way is the shear number of machines they have folding, the odds are in their favor. Otherwise it’s a crapshoot as far as Stanford is concerned. V. J. from Stanford has stated this many times over. They are working on a better, smarter assignment system but as of now it’s just not in place.
 
Looks like you all went and Moosed up this whole idea again....

Too busy to write up a flag FAQ right this second, my original thought was a things someplace to track only the -adv flag and from a points PPD point of view.

Quick- This varies from time to time, some week to week/month to month it's best to use the -adv flag and sometimes it's best not to use the -adv flag, IF max PPD is your goal.

The concept I'm trying to point out if this is a moving target, and in order to get the most out of your borgs you have direct access to settings may need to be changed from time to time.

Just trying to help the guys with 4-8 boxen, manageable numbers get a little extra. So many hear of -adv and naturally think it's the best right off the bat.
 
Bump since there has been some questions of late.

I need to add this to [H]orde|Central as well...
 
I'm confused about how to set flags. I am using Windows XP Pro and I have installed F@H as a service on a dual core boxen. I now have two different file folders and each is set to run its own F@H clien as a service. No problem so far.

Do I have to edit the registry to use -forceasm ? or can I just click on the properties of the folding console, and add the info in the line under general?


see this example for what I am talking about.

http://www.hardfolding.com/index.php?go=3&gtype=1&id=1&show=1

Can I add multiple flags on that line... like

-local
-send all
-forceasm


or must I do something in the registry?

I have been able to manage getting over 300,000 points using the graphical client. But now that I have the dual core, I am forced to use the console version. Please help me. Thanks.
 
to stop and start a service, do I need to do this:

net stop "FAH@C:+folding+core 0+FAH502-Console.exe"
net stop "FAH@C:+folding+core 1+FAH502-Console.exe"
pause


{make sure you leave the quote up above where they are found. I found out the hard way that the quotes are required.}

Do I need to individually stop both cores folding, or does the "net stop" actually stop all instances of folding?

in other words, does this stop everything on a dual core machine:

net stop FAH@C:+folding+core 0+FAH502-Console.exe


Thanks.

I forgot how to make a .bat file in XP. What program do you use (which text editor?) thanks.
 
use notepad to make your batch files.... but save them as .bat files.....

you have to run a netstop for each and every client.... you're telling which directory to find the client in....


Keep on Folding!! For the [H]orde!!

 
Pocatello said:
Do I have to edit the registry to use -forceasm ? or can I just click on the properties of the folding console, and add the info in the line under general?
Click to expand...
Yes, you have to edit the registry keys. HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\.... I believe is the location

 
One important point if your running the SMP client.
You MUST set big packets to yes.
If not you will not be able to upload a finished work unit as its over the size limit for small packets.

Luck .......... :D
 
Thanks for the replies. Okay, I must use the registry.

Can I add multiple flags on that line in the registry, with a space in between? Like this:


-local "-send all" -forceasm


p.s. is the "-send all" command worth while?
 
-send all
This flag is used to send stored work back to Stanford.
The only time to use it is if your running very close to the final deadline times.
Other wise the client will try to send stored work back every 3 hours.

The normal reason for storing work at the moment is the work server you are trying to contact is down and the collection server is not up yet.
So in that situation the -send all flag will not work and it just puts more load on Stanford's servers.

Luck ........ :D
 
Mohonri said:
Let's get this one out of the way:

-local - only needed if you are running multiple instances of FAH on one machine. You need separate executables in separate folders, and the shortcut for each needs to have the -local flag. There is no known penalty/benefit for using the -local flag in and of itself.
Click to expand...

What evil thing will occur if you don't use -local? I have a box that is dual SMPs and not running this flag that I know of.
 
onetwenty8k said:
Way to bump an old thread...loser.
Click to expand...

Play nice ............ :p

The -local flag is only a safety backup for the two SMP clients.

If your only running two or more console type clients in Windoze, then each client keeps its own config data in its own local folding folder, so its not realy needed.

If your running a mix of one graphical client and one or more console clients then it is needed.
The graphical client keeps it config data in the registry, without the local flag, all the clients will try to use this data.
Or if you have used a graphical client and are switching to two console clients, the again use it just to be safe.

So most of the time you won't run into any problems by not useing it in Windoze.
Linux does not need it as again the config data is aways stored localy.
But Macs do as the config data tends to be stored in a discreate file.

There has been reports that the -local flag can screw-up a dual SMP install under Windoze.

Hope this clears up any confusion.

Luck .............. :D
 
Tigerbiten said:
Play nice ............ :p

The -local flag is only a safety backup for the two SMP clients.

If your only running two or more console type clients in Windoze, then each client keeps its own config data in its own local folding folder, so its not realy needed.

If your running a mix of one graphical client and one or more console clients then it is needed.
The graphical client keeps it config data in the registry, without the local flag, all the clients will try to use this data.
Or if you have used a graphical client and are switching to two console clients, the again use it just to be safe.

So most of the time you won't run into any problems by not useing it in Windoze.
Linux does not need it as again the config data is aways stored localy.
But Macs do as the config data tends to be stored in a discreate file.

There has been reports that the -local flag can screw-up a dual SMP install under Windoze.

Hope this clears up any confusion.

Luck .............. :D
Click to expand...

Ahhh! Now I guess I'm going to kill me dual SMP clients...
 
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