I've been running native Boinc for some time, and have just read about the Facebook interface.

This should be a Good Thing for attracting new volunteers.

The link provided goes straight into facebook and I don't want to activate this in case it messes up.

I know this is a very new development, but can we have a rundown on how to make the switch?

Regards

The Facebook application is a BETA test. If you don't want to run possibly more problematic software or figure your way out of the (apparent) confusing pages at Facebook and GridRepublic, then do NOT run this software but continue using normal Berkeley BOINC.

If you do want to run it, uninstall your present BOINC first through Add/Remove Programs, make backups of your BOINC Data directory. Then start from the Facebook site link. There's no way around that.

I'm sure they have their own FAQ/forums, will go hunt/ask for links towards them.

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Thanks,

I went to the Boinc link which provided some hoops to jump through to connect the existing application to facebook. Had to recover some passwords, of course!

Decided not to invite any friends for the moment and may not have clicked on the correct button.

Nothing on my wall after about half an hour, not even the promised badge - sob, sob. Boinc manager still indicates activity.

I guess we can expect some more user-friendly publicity and documentation shortly.


Regards

I think I've sorted it out, even if Jord reminded us it is a beta.

My problem was that Facebook didn't make a tag or anything else visible on my wall or elsewhere. After a bit of messing around I found Progress thru Computers under (in French) Parameters - Applications, with some parameters you can set.

Managed to post the blue box on my wall and join the fan club; the buttons work OK.

Regards

The Facebook application is a BETA test. If you don't want to run possibly more problematic software or figure your way out of the (apparent) confusing pages at Facebook and GridRepublic, then do NOT run this software but continue using normal Berkeley BOINC.

If you do want to run it, uninstall your present BOINC first through Add/Remove Programs, make backups of your BOINC Data directory. Then start from the Facebook site link. There's no way around that.

I'm sure they have their own FAQ/forums, will go hunt/ask for links towards them.

Hello I am volunteering with GridRepublic and can answer questions as best I can.

The PTP Facebook application distributes BOINC 6.8.13 with a simplified custom installer which also includes a PTP skin for simple view and a pretty cool default screensaver which alternates with project screensavers.

The PTP FAQ/forums are accessible through the PTP application and for those not using the application you can access the same destinations linked from the application here as the application is a seamless integration with GridRepublic with a PTP branding. To post to the discussion board or help add content to the wiki interface you will need to create a GridRepublic account. Here you can find Advocacy, Help, Projects list, Development, and a General Cafe for discussion.[/url]

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GridRepublic - bringing BOINC mainstream: http://www.gridrepublic.org

Despite Jord's warning I did manage to attach GridRepublic to Boinc (5.10.45) by following the instructions. It's still running OK.

Can I leave it like that to save the hassle of starting over?

In the long run, will this arrangement survive the inevitable software updates (apparantly I'm already out of date...)?

Finally (it may be another topic), you recommend we install a software security application. I'd like to know if GridRepublic / Boinc users make themselves more vulnerable than normal. The point may be important because life is already complicated for people who just want to use their computer. Potential volunteers may be dissuaded by recommendations to download what they could fear might become an unending stream of auxiliary applications.

Regards

Despite Jord's warning I did manage to attach GridRepublic to Boinc (5.10.45) by following the instructions. It's still running OK.

Can I leave it like that to save the hassle of starting over?

By not running the latest version available from GR, you miss out on a lot of security and other features. But that's about it, I don't see why you can't run for the same projects through GR with an older BOINC version.

This is not really the place to ask though. Or perhaps it is, I just don't all have the answers. ;-)

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With thanks to Rom Walton, BOINC developer, for some answers:

Rom wrote:

6.8.14 and 6.8.15 happened to occur during the latest patch deployment by MS which caused changes in C Runtime Library. Neither of those two versions have passed testing.

It is not necessary to uninstall an existing BOINC install.

The easiest procedure I've come up with is just create a GridRepublic account and then tell GridRepublic which projects you participate in.

After that, add the Facebook application to your wall, when it asks if you already have an account you say yes, and plug in your GridRepublic credentials.

From that point forward it'll be just like if you had installed the PTP client.

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Ageless is correct by saying that you miss out on new features and security updates, but it not being our place to tell you to update.

Can I leave it like that to save the hassle of starting over?

In the long run, will this arrangement survive the inevitable software updates (apparantly I'm already out of date...)?

The PTP application and GridRepublic support older clients version 5.4.11 and up.

You can leave it but once the information is there when you update you need not reattach as the information transfers. So your choice.

Finally (it may be another topic), you recommend we install a software security application. I'd like to know if GridRepublic / Boinc users make themselves more vulnerable than normal. The point may be important because life is already complicated for people who just want to use their computer. Potential volunteers may be dissuaded by recommendations to download what they could fear might become an unending stream of auxiliary applications.

A bit off topic but, The Secunia PSI in my signature was a piece of software which has no affiliation with BOINC, GridRepulbic, or PTP.

My recommending of Secunia PSI is my personal opinion as a way to help keep programs up to date on Windows computers for personal use and is not a reflection to the security of BOINC. I have since removed this link to keep things clear and replaced it with a link to the PTP Facebook page.

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GridRepublic - bringing BOINC mainstream: http://www.gridrepublic.org