Warning: Public public software may be installed and activated witout permission!

[PrivatePixel]

Originally Posted by Paul H

Do you wonder why your fan is running when your computer is idle?

FYI:
Found a program running on my Sony VAIO VPCF2190X laptop that Sony installed without my permission to use my computer publicly when I'm not.

It is called "World Community Grid".

Others seem to have the same concern:
Would like to hear comments and opinions.
Thanks,

Paul

This is not malware, spyware or some type of rootkit software. It's a Folding@home™ application, whereby unused CPU resources from idle PCs are used for distributed computing, more specifically, scientific research involving simulations of protein folding, so that researchers gain a better understanding of certain diseases, e.g. Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, even cancer.

Rather than scientists and researchers commit funds from donations toward the purchase of supercomputers (which are prohibitively expensive), the installation of a Folding@home™ client app allows a user to perform a small simulation task on their PC, and the results are sent back to the F@H server in an encrypted format. No personal information is gathered from the user; the only thing sent and received from any PC are F@H-related tasks and results.

Is this legitimate? Yes, and this activity is not only endorsed, but encouraged on tech forums.

Installation of this software may not be recommended on a laptop/netbook, only because it will sap battery power, but if you run a desktop, I would encourage everyone to become involved. It's one way for us to become involved in finding a potential cure for afflictions that may affect us or someone we know.