The secret life of the home computer; while you sleep, your PC might be doing higher math, finding aliens or even making money

Article Abstract:

Scientists are using home computers connected to the Internet to undertake large computing projects. Distributed processing takes advantage of the fact that most computers have idle time. For a modern computer even a second between keystrokes is several processing cycles. Users subscribe and download programs functioning like screensavers, which detect idle time and go to work. The Beowulf Project (www.beowulf.org) describes the first distributed computing efforts. Among current popular projects are searching for extraterrestrial life, seti@home (setiathome.ssl.berkeley.edu), and a climate change prediction, Climate Dynamics at RAL (www.climate-dynamics.rl.ac.uk). ProcessTree Network (www.processtree.com) serves as a broker for users wanting to rent time out for projects on their home PC.

World, Usage, Services, Internet software, Computer services industry, Information technology services industry, Technology application, Distributed processing (Computers), Distributed computing

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Aqua everywhere: am early look at OS X

Article Abstract:

Apple Computer Inc. has introduced a beta version of its new operating system software package called Mac OS X. The core of the operating system is 'Darwin,' a variant of the Unix operating system developed by Berkeley Software Distribution and 'Aqua' the new interface. The system operated well in this test, but the buyer should beware that it is a work in progress, that it was sluggish at times and that it still feels like a Macintosh program but the Aqua interface is intuitive and a treat to use.

Software Publishers, Systems Software Pkgs (Micro), Product description/specification, Operating systems (Software), Apple Computer Inc., AAPL, Apple Macintosh OS X (Operating system)

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Office renovated for Mac

Article Abstract:

Microsoft Office 2001 for the Macintosh includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Entourage. The suite requires a Power PC equipped machine with MacOS Version 8.1 or higher, 32 MB RAM, and 160 MB on the hard drive for a standard installation. Like Outlook, Entourage integrates e-mail and organizing programs, but can be configured for use with Eudora or other email programs. Word, PowerPoint, and Excel all had minor improvements and function like Macintosh programs.

Statistical Data Included, Microsoft Corp., Suites (Software), Software single product review, MSFT, Integrated software, Business application suite, Microsoft Office 2001 for the Macintosh (Business application suite)

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