What is folding?

In short, folding can be quickly described as the process of using the unused CPU cycles of computers to simulate the folding of protiens.  The information generated from these simulated foldings is sent back to Stanford University, where it is processed and used to benefit medical research.

Many more details can be found by clicking the link below.

http://folding.stanford.edu/science.html

What do I have to do?

Absolutely nothing!  Folding@home works automatically without any need for user interference.  It can be run for days and days on end without being touched.  All you have to do is install the program it and leave it running-it will do the rest.

What are the system requirements?

Folding@home will run on any basic computer with any internet connection, but it takes great advantage to faster processors.  The faster your processor, the faster you will fold work units, and the faster you will receive new work units, thus generating points faster.

Does Folding@home slow my PC down?

No.  Folding@home only uses what spare CPU power is available to it.  For example, if your computer was fully idle and unused, Folding@home would use 100% CPU power to fold.  However, if you had a few programs running using 50% CPU power, then Folding@home would only use the other 50% to fold.  If you were running an application that required 100% CPU power, then Folding@home would temporarily pause.  Folding@home works around your computer, so you will notice little to no difference in your everyday computer use.

Does Folding@home work with all programs?

Folding@home works with most applications, but a certain few, mainly a few games, are incompatible with Folding@home.  The best way to solve this problem is simply to close Folding@home down by right clicking the icon in the taskbar and clicking "exit".  Then, once you are done with the application, restart Folding@home and begin folding again.

Why are Work Units different?

Work Units vary in size and point value.  The bigger a work unit, the longer it takes to complete, but the more points you receive for it.  The point values of the work units don't always correspond to how large and complex they are.  For example, a 10000 frame work unit may be worth less points than a 500 frame work unit if the 500 frame work unit is more complex.