Shared computing

Shared Computing is a subset of distributed computing that harnesses unused PC resources worldwide, generally for research aims. This technique is also known as CPU scavenging.

This type of computing was popularized by the SETI Project to harness the power of networked PCs worldwide, in order to solve thorny (i.e. CPU-intensive) research problems.

Currently several shared computing projects exist, such as:

• United Devices for protein folding and cancer research.
• Distributed.net for encryption and mathematical research.
• the venerable SETI@HomeProject, scanning radio telescope wavelengths for signs of intelligent life.
• See also the List of distributed computing projects for other public projects.