Computers connected on internet band together to make largest supercomputers in the world.
Some distributed computing projects use
screensaver visualizations that can help to spread good word
Example Distributed computing projects:
- SETI@home first well known distributed computing project
- GIMPS offers awards if a (big) prime number us calculated at your computer
- Distributed.net offers very easy installation on Ubuntu
Installing distributed computing project won't slow down your computer, but will add some energy consumption(10 degrees more hot CPU, noise (but fans will run more constantly at high speed) and heat radiation.
Combination with P2P/webhosting/VOIP running on low-energy/fast computer can reduce buying costs while having computer turned on.
Advanced users:Control Room Temperature with Computer Script controllong distributed computing