The Initium RJS Screensaver: Part 1, MS Windows

This paper describes a Java-based screensaver technology for the Initium Remote Job Submission (RJS) system running on Microsoft Windows. Initium RJS is a Java Web Start (JAWS) technology that enables Java-based grid computing. The Initium RJS system uses screensavers to enable CPU scavenging. A screensaver is a program that activates during a period of user-computer quiescence. Detection of this quiet time enables the use of otherwise wasted CPU cycles. When the period of user-computer quiescence ceases, the screensaver terminates any currently running compute jobs, releasing the computer back for general use. Such a program constitutes a first step toward utilizing otherwise idle compute resources in a grid computing system. We are motivated to study screen-savers because they represent a minimally invasive technology for volunteering CPU services. Typically, computers are used between 40 and 60 hours out of a 168-hour week. This represents approximately 35% utilization. Screen-save...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2006
• Where: JOT
• Authors: Douglas A. Lyon
• Keywords: Initium RJS, JOT 2006, Screensavers, User-computer Quiescence