Fostering boxen

[Kendrak]

I'm thinking about starting to foster boxen.

Let me explain;

We have become very good friends with our neighbors on the other side of the street (we live in a VERY small circle off a rural ST route)

They have this rickety old laptop as their only system and both parents use it for work and pleasure (dad games a tiny bit and iTunes, mom loves digi pics) My wireless network will reach to their house...... and this is where the cogwheels started turning. I can take a boxen out of the basement, let them use it while it folds. Heck this system will still show up on my FAHMon and I can VNC into it. They get a system and I get a boxen off my electric bill.

I'm wondering if I can do something similar with my assistant (except she does not live anywhere close enough to hit my wifi)

The big part is that these are still MY computers, they are getting free use out of them for the cost of the power. I think that is a fair trade.

I just wanted to share the thought..... Didn't know if anyone else might make use of it. Or if you have something similar, share.

 

[MrBooMY]

We are the Borg, you will be assimilated, resistance is futile.

Sounds like a good trade to me, unsuspecting pre-borged unit

 

[Xilikon]

That's a great idea. As long as you explain this to your neighbor, I don't think it's a problem.

I'm also considering doing the same by lending a Q6600+8800GT to a friend (she currently have a Sempron 3400+ with just 256MB) since she live in a apartment where power costs is included. She use a powerful machine for free and I get a box which fold without paying for power.

The key thing for this kind of fostering idea is to explain the whole picture so they know what it's about.

 

[Sunin]

And making sure they leave the machine on 24/7!!!

 

[Kendrak]

The key thing for this kind of fostering idea is to explain the whole picture so they know what it's about.

They have seen the farm grow as I add boxen.

I had to tell them what all the computers tucked around the house where

 

[capreppy]

And making sure they leave the machine on 24/7!!!

That would be key. Much like we can't borg a computer we don't have permission to, I think it would need to be fully explained the ground rules with the "loan"
- it will increase your electricity bill
- it must be left on 24/7
- certain programs must always be left running (and yes, you can tell when they're not)!!! big brother in action here LOL
- the computer is still mine and if something breaks, I'm responsible for it

I've batted around this same idea before, but well still need funds to actually build these boxen It is definitely doable and the electrical saving sper box (especially if you're considering a GPU client) can be significant.

 

[Kendrak]

I've batted around this same idea before, but well still need funds to actually build these boxen It is definitely doable and the electrical saving sper box (especially if you're considering a GPU client) can be significant.

The thing I'm looking at is I can afford to put together a GPU rig every other month. But paying for the power and finding a spot for them in my house.... that is a whole other issue.

 

[HighYield]

As long as they understand it is still your computer and that you will need to do the required maintenance on the "beta" folding software this sounds like a great idea. It would be great to unload 300+ watts off the power bill. Would they be cool with it if you had to take it back for hardware upgrades or to skeletonize it for another boxen?
Good idea!! If they are cool with all the points everyone made in the thread everyone wins.

 

[HighYield]

The thing I'm looking at is I can afford to put together a GPU rig every other month. But paying for the power and finding a spot for them in my house.... that is a whole other issue.

I think we might have another steamroller on our hands here.

 

[tkam]

If you can find people you trust to leave them on 24/7 and not complain about their power bill going up then I think it's a great idea.

 

[Wheresatom]

One computer on 24/7 rather than maybe 8 hours a night 5 nights a week will not make someone's utilities jump that much I would imagine. IMO the changes would be insignificant compared to seasonal changes in outdoor temperature. The addition of 3-4 boxen is where that multiplier comes in and makes a bit more of an effect on power bills both in use from the wall, and increased cooling load.


You would pretty much become a computer leasing company. I really like the idea, and I think a lot of people would really like it. If I could afford to put together a computer for my parents rather than the crap HP they got it would benefit both of us quite a bit. You could look into loading a program like logmein or something onto computers that you can't just go next door to check on.

 

[Sunin]

Get something in writing establishing your ownership, their rights and responsibilities, etc...

at about $500 a pop them selling it out from under neath you with little if any recourse would suck!

 

[Pocatello]

This is a great idea. I have been thinking about this for some time.

Loan? I was thinking of just giving it to them.

If only Vijay could get the beta software to work like it should... and remove the beta status.

 

[nomad8u]

That's a great idea Kendrak. As long as they're into it and you don't mind the maintenance.

I've been kicking around an idea somewhat similar since the GPU client came out for Nvidia. My in-laws could use a PC ugrade and it turns out I'll have an E4300 freed up soon. My FIL still likes to game 3-4 hrs a day (God bless his 72 year old crusty soul) and surfs/emails another 2-3 hours each day.

In my case I have a couple of issues to work out.

1. They're retired and living off mostly SS plus a small savings plus "Pappy's" meager school bus driver income. Power IS an issue for them so 7x24 folding probably would be prohibitive.
Possible solution: Slap in a second GPU and setup console client as a service for just that GPU with a dedicated core (not sure this is doable just yet. Gotta look at the service setup AND the issue of only folding on a secondary GPU) that will fold anytime the PC is powered up. This should allow for at least 2-3 work unit per day depending on where the client goes from here. Another alternative would be a standard console client but wouldn't be as productive IMO.

2. They're living 50 miles away so maintenance and support could be an issue.
Possible solution: I still need to look into some remote access solution for this such as Logmein or VNC.

Other than those couple of issues it seems like a win-win. More science and they get a much needed upgrade. Either way they're going to get the upgrade..

 

[capreppy]

An option with regards to electricity costs is to split the cost with them. They still get an upgraded machine and you get the points. The overall electrical costs would still reduced on your end by having them pick up part of it. How you split, would probably need to be decided on a case by case basis, but 50/50 isn't a bad idea. or 70/30 (30 for you) given that they are getting a powerful computer to do what they wish

 

[Kendrak]

Get something in writing establishing your ownership, their rights and responsibilities, etc...

at about $500 a pop them selling it out from under neath you with little if any recourse would suck!

We watch their kids, and the husband is a pastor at a local church. I dont think the system will disappear. Honestly I'd be more upset at the loss of friendship than the boxen.

 

[Sunin]

Point well made... but if your doing this to lesser friends... I'd get it in writing...