Peer to Peer Computing
What is Peer or Peer Computing?
Sometimes known as Distributed Computing, Peer to Peer Computing harnesses the power of a network of computers to perform some computations. For Find-a-Drug and similar internet projects, the computational programs run in background or as a screen-saver application so that they do not significantly intrude on the normal use of the computer.
Can any project be adapted for Peer to Peer Computing?
No. The project has to be divided into a large number of independent calculations which can be distributed to members computers and the results returned to the server(s).
What other aspects are important for such projects?
here are practical restrictions concerning the amount of data that may be distributed and the communication frequency with the server(s). This in turn impacts the choice of algorithms and the number of members a server can support.
How many servers are used by Find-a-Drug?
Unlike some similar projects, we are currently using six in different locations and envisage this number to grow as the number of members also grows. This avoids contention for access to the server as well as redundancy in the event of a network or server failure.
Where can I learn more about distributed computing?
Two relevant web-sites are Internet-based Distributed Computing Projects and Intel Philanthropic peer-to-peer program both of which also provide information about other projects.
Security and Privacy
What precautions are taken to ensure the security of information sent from my PC?
All information uploaded to Find-a-Drug servers is encrypted and is transferred to computers inaccessible to the public prior to de-encrypting.
Is it conceivable that Find-a-Drug software introduces a virus or other harmful agent on to my computer?
In order to do so it would be necessary for some-one to hack undetected into Treweren Consultant’s computers or Find-a-Drug servers. We take the usual precautions to prevent this and recommend that members continue to run virus detection software. In addition, the download files are regularly replaced limiting the consequences of any infection.
What information does Find-a-Drug upload from my PC?
The only information sent to our servers are the calculations results, time and configuration information which you have entered in the Find-a-Drug control panel. We perform no checks on the accuracy of the processor information, country, e-mail address etc.
What happens if I provide am invalid or incorrect e-mail address?
The e-mail address is used to send quarterly newsletters and if you participate in the beta project information about developments. If you join a team you may elect to receive e-mails from the team captain. If your e-mail address is not valid, we have no means of contacting you.
Who else has access to the information I provide?
The information entered in the Find-a-Drug control panel is encrypted prior to being sent to a Find-a-Drug server and is only de-encrypted on Treweren Consultant’s computers which cannot be accessed externally. The information is not and will not be disclosed to third parties.