Donating your computer

[Earniel]

Since a few years scientists have tried to tap into the giant potential computer power owned by the population. I think SETI started the trend, at least it was the first one I've heard from. But now you've got loads to choose from: cancer reseach, anthrax research, research into climate change, searching for signs of extra-terrestrial life, etc...

The main benefit of this is that scientists can process a lot more data than they would be able to on their own. The programmes can be run on ordinary computers and they normally don't interfere with the day-to-day use of the computers. So there isn't much you would have to do yourself.

So what do you think of it? Would you donate your computer to such a cause? Or why not? Do you think the data the computers process could be useful to science? What sort of programme would you choose, existing or not? Or which do you have already?