Simple question, I hope. Is there a screensaver or graphics element to MilkyWay and if there is how do I access it?

All the other BOINC projects I participate in have them bit I see nothing with MilkyWay.

Nope. It is near the bottom of the projects list. Been asked and requested many times.

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Doesn't expecting the unexpected make the unexpected the expected?
If it makes sense, DON'T do it.

Shame. Sometimes if you want to get the kids to play you have to offer them some candy.

Some of us do not care for a screensaver either.

A lot of us run MW on a graphics card which preclude having a screensaver at all.

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Agree but at least you would have a choice not to run it. Those who would like a screensaver aren't given that choice. As I say, 'Candy for kids'.

I would think eventually. I don't know how hard it would be to add in the most basic graphic or such.

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Doesn't expecting the unexpected make the unexpected the expected?
If it makes sense, DON'T do it.

I also don't like when BOINC projects have no screensaver. for me personally it is a reminder of the work I'm doing as opposed to some phantom program running in the background. not to mention how much I enjoy watching it run laying in bed at night falling asleep LOL.

Pls get one up & running ASAP.

Thank you. RMc-Canada.

Any idea of what it would show? The graphs on the front page are the best we've come up with thus far, and they don't change much in real time. All workunits do is perform a set of integrations for a given set of parameters, so they're hard to visualize.

I am currently running two projects on two machines (Windows 7 & Vista Business) using the current BOINC software (6.10.18). In this version I have noticed not only do I get the active SETI screen saver, but also static displays of all tasks that are currently running; which includes Milkyway.

I know it is very little to go on right now, but at least it gives me a reminder of what is currently running. If you have Windows and you haven't upgraded, now might be a good idea.

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I don't buy computers, I build them!

First let me start with a question, since I might be missing the point here. This is trying to make a accurate 3d model of the Milkyway, taking in to account how long it takes light to get here and how light gets manipulated by large gravitational objects right? If so are we modeling it for a certain time from, say 50k years ago, or are we guessing where the objects would be today? Sorry if these questions are based on misconceptions, Id be happy to get a crash course. But I basically couldn't really comprehend your FAQ.

Ok given that those crud assumption are correct, you could show a comparison of the observable sky and the sky as it actually is, or was. ( of course this would be approximations).

Shame. Sometimes if you want to get the kids to play you have to offer them some candy.

Running a screensaver is like taking candy from a baby - it uses valuble CPU cycles which reduces the amount of data processed and therefore, means it will take longer for the project to reach its goal.

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Shame. Sometimes if you want to get the kids to play you have to offer them some candy.

Running a screensaver is like taking candy from a baby - it uses valuble CPU cycles which reduces the amount of data processed and therefore, means it will take longer for the project to reach its goal.

Yes what he said.

Besides, There are a lot of very nice stars out there that need mapped.:)

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Whats a few CPU cycles on a few computers, when it draws people that otherwise would not use it.

A basic picture of the MW or an updated map of the so far mapped stars wouldn't draw much I don't think. From what I am aware of this project doesn't have a 3d map started, atleast in the sense of being in 3d. (travis or someone else could state where the project is)

Shame. Sometimes if you want to get the kids to play you have to offer them some candy.

Running a screensaver is like taking candy from a baby - it uses valuble CPU cycles which reduces the amount of data processed and therefore, means it will take longer for the project to reach its goal.

But if you catch 20x more "kids"? 20x more computers running ½ effeciency is still more processing. Even good science needs marketing to gather funding and other support.

Right now you are just getting the "nerds" who want to push their processors hard instead of more mainstream office computers. Want to compare the demographic numbers? People in my office run SETI just because the ScrSav is "cool". Not because they care about SETI.

I disable all screen savers on my PC when i run BOINC projects..i also turn off the monitor to. The main thing on running BOINC is to process as much data as possible and screen savers are a waste of valuable CPU power. If you want to protect your monitor just turn it off:)

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pitbull training
pitbull history

Shame. Sometimes if you want to get the kids to play you have to offer them some candy.

Running a screensaver is like taking candy from a baby - it uses valuble CPU cycles which reduces the amount of data processed and therefore, means it will take longer for the project to reach its goal.

Im pretty sure the average single host cruncher could really give a $h*t less about a few cpu cycles, the fact that they are crunching at all should be enough for the project and fellow crunchers to say thanks, and maybe even think of a screensaver down the line if someone requests it..

just my 2 cents ;)

Yeah, we would like to have a screensaver, too, but it is not that easy...

Our users have different operating systems (Windows, linux, etc) and graphics programming is very different from scientific programming. I know, excuses, excuses.

We are hoping to hire someone to build one for us, but we will see how that goes. Fingers crossed, but no guarantees.

Also, I have been reading up on the subject myself, trying to build a screensaver as a side project, but honestly, it is not going well. I don't have that much time to devote to it, and graphics programming can be a real headache...

If anyone has experience with this sort of thing, I would appreciate being pointed in the right direction. (tutorials, etc.) :)