Choose your desired install method
The installation and configuration of UD/WCG depends on how you want to have it run. Read through the 4 install scenarios below, listed in order of effective WCG CPU usage (from least to most effective) and choose one that fits what you want. Follow the install procedure, choosing the options which apply to the method chosen.
Install 1 (lowest): Run only when UD/WCG screen saver is active, when I’m logged in.
This is a slight variation of install 2, with one configuration option change and UD/WCG will run only during screen saver mode when the user is logged in. This is the least effective method for running WCG as most people aren’t away from their logged-in PC long enough for the WCG screen saver to enable and work. However, it doesn’t interfere with the use of the PC as no CPU cycles are stolen until the screen saver kicks in. This method puts an icon in the system tray allowing you to monitor the WCG status as it calculates. It also only runs for the user that installed it, but can be modified to run when any user logs in.
Install 2 (lower): Run only when I’m logged in.
This is how UD/WCG installs by default. Once you log in, it will start processing in the background and will show you its running status when the screen saver kicks in. Once you log out, WCG will not run, thus this install method is effective only while the user is logged in. This method puts an icon in the system tray allowing you to monitor the WCG status as it calculates. It also only runs for the user that installed it, but can be modified to run when any user logs in.
Install 3 (higher): Run only when UD/WCG screen saver is active, when nobody is logged in.
This is the optimal solution as it interferes with nobody, running only when the PC is sitting at the login window but it is also the most complex configuration to achieve. It requires making some interesting changes such as making WCG only run during screen saver time, converting the WCG executable to run as a Windows service and changing the default user’s screen saver to WCG. You won’t see the WCG icon in the system tray, nor can you check on its running status unless the WCG screen saver at the login window is active.
Install 4 (highest): Run all the time.
This installation of UD/WCG is for power crunchers who want results returned fast to the grid. It is a variation of install 3 as only one configuration change needs to be made and WCG will run continuously, 24/7. You won’t see the WCG icon in the system tray nor can you check on its running status unless the WCG screen saver is active for the login window.
Email the author: Peter Schepers | Last updated: Dec 6, 2006