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Boinc at Linux ignores preferences

Hi there! :)
It seems like the Boinc client for linux pretty much ignores what i've set as preferences. Despite I have set it NOT to use the pc when "in use" it does use it. I have set that option both in the site preferences and in the preferences of the client itself and yes I have set the option "run based ot preferences".

Using the cpu when i'm working is not such a big deal but I really need all the memory. For that reason I can't afford the client to work when i'm working. Despite being a member for years i'm considering stopping contribution to the project for that reason. Any help on that will be appreciated.

P.S.
Another thing which should really be fixed is the search of this forum. I find it to be totally irrelevant.

[Apr 27, 2008 8:16:42 PM]

retsof
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Re: Boinc at Linux ignores preferences

It seems like the Boinc client for linux pretty much ignores what i've set as preferences. Despite I have set it NOT to use the pc when "in use" it does use it.

Is BOINC actually doing something, or can you tell whether something else is running? What is said in some of the BOINC messages? (They can be copied and posted.)

Your computer might be in use, but BOINC might take off if it not INTENSIVE use, like formatting something on a screen. Perhaps you should also note so many minutes of idle before BOINC starts, like maybe 30.

Memory is cheap. If you have had your CPU for years, we can probably find it locally at the Goodwill computerworks or Discount Electronics, where it's even cheaper. Your town may be similar.

There are two searches. The one on the right is simple. The one in the center of the bar allows more options. Did you try that one?

BOINC runs at low priority. With uses that aren't too intensive, like video editing or games, it can back off or stop until the other application is done. That is with the [x] while computer is in use checked.

----------------------------------------

SUPPORT ADVISOR
Work+GPU i7 8700 12threads
School i7 4770 8threads
Default+GPU Ryzen 7 3700X 16threads
Ryzen 7 3800X 16 threads
Ryzen 9 3900X 24threads
Home i7 3540M 4threads50%

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[Edit 1 times, last edit by retsof at Apr 27, 2008 8:44:13 PM]

[Apr 27, 2008 8:37:47 PM]

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Re: Boinc at Linux ignores preferences

You need to change the "leave in memory" setting if you want to free up memory while computation is suspended. Alternatively, you can use the memory preferences to suspend based on free memory.

The client may not be able to detect remote keyboard activity. You will have to explain more about your configuration if you want more specific help.

The search finds any terms by default. Try using quotes.

[Apr 27, 2008 8:49:02 PM]

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Re: Boinc at Linux ignores preferences

First and foremost thanks for replying! :)

Is BOINC actually doing something, or can you tell whether something else is running? What is said in some of the BOINC messages? (They can be copied and posted.)

Well I don't think they are particularly relevant. There is nothing interesting there. When I start intensive computing with some of the my programs nothing appears there. Nothing like "User is active" or s.th.

Your computer might be in use, but BOINC might take off if it not INTENSIVE use, like formatting something on a screen. Perhaps you should also note so many minutes of idle before BOINC starts, like maybe 30.

Well even if I use 100% of the CPU for several minutes. Boinc still kicks in after that.

Memory is cheap. If you have had your CPU for years, we can probably find it locally at the Goodwill computerworks or Discount Electronics, where it's even cheaper. Your town may be similar.

Well the definitions of cheap/expensive depend on lot of things don't u think ;) It may be cheap for u but expensive for ppl in Africa for instance. Anyway Boinc should work as expected.

BOINC runs at low priority. With uses that aren't too intensive, like video editing or games, it can back off or stop until the other application is done. That is with the [x] while computer is in use checked.

Still the behavior isn't what specified. I want it to stop work "When i'm active" and it does not. Sorry to say that but it's buggy.

[Apr 30, 2008 6:01:50 PM]

Sekerob
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Re: Boinc at Linux ignores preferences

Here's a sample I've edited for your purpose. Don't know, but with memory at a premium, 10% should
cut the permission down drastically. Put this in the global_prefs_override.xml
and with the Advanced Menu, Read Local Prefs File these settings should kick in without stopping the client.
The Run Based on Preferences should be on as you noted.

You don't tell which version of client, but some versions have had conflicting behaviour.
Clearing the local prefs often has restored normality. 5.10.45 is recommended.

<global_preferences>
   <run_on_batteries>1</run_on_batteries>
   <run_if_user_active>0</run_if_user_active>
   <start_hour>0.000000</start_hour>
   <end_hour>0.000000</end_hour>
   <net_start_hour>0.000000</net_start_hour>
   <net_end_hour>0.000000</net_end_hour>
   <leave_apps_in_memory>0</leave_apps_in_memory>
   <confirm_before_connecting>0</confirm_before_connecting>
   <hangup_if_dialed>1</hangup_if_dialed>
   <dont_verify_images>0</dont_verify_images>
   <work_buf_min_days>0.001000</work_buf_min_days>
   <work_buf_additional_days>0.500000</work_buf_additional_days>
   <max_ncpus_pct>100.000000</max_ncpus_pct>
   <cpu_scheduling_period_minutes>120.000000</cpu_scheduling_period_minutes>
   <disk_interval>300.000000</disk_interval>
   <disk_max_used_gb>10.000000</disk_max_used_gb>
   <disk_max_used_pct>50.000000</disk_max_used_pct>
   <disk_min_free_gb>1.000000</disk_min_free_gb>
   <vm_max_used_pct>75.000000</vm_max_used_pct>
   <ram_max_used_busy_pct>10.000000</ram_max_used_busy_pct>
   <ram_max_used_idle_pct>90.000000</ram_max_used_idle_pct>
   <max_bytes_sec_up>491520.000000</max_bytes_sec_up>
   <max_bytes_sec_down>491520.000000</max_bytes_sec_down>
   <cpu_usage_limit>100.000000</cpu_usage_limit>
   <suspend_if_no_recent_input>0.0</suspend_if_no_recent_input>
</global_preferences>

These options are per the 5.10.45 release! The boot up log should show the memory use permissions
as 10 / 90% of what is available.

[edit: the battery setting should be 0 of course, but I run it like that as there are too frequent power hickups here and standby setting anyway kicks in after 5 minutes on UPS]

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Please help to make the Forums an enjoyable experience for All!

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[Edit 1 times, last edit by Sekerob at Apr 30, 2008 8:07:28 PM]

[Apr 30, 2008 6:36:51 PM]

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Re: Boinc at Linux ignores preferences

<run_on_batteries>1</run_on_batteries>

I recommend <run_on_batteries>0</run_on_batteries> so that a laptop will not run BOINC unless it is plugged in. BOINC can run down batteries very quickly.

Lawrence

[Apr 30, 2008 7:58:59 PM]

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Re: Boinc at Linux ignores preferences

Still the behavior isn't what specified. I want it to stop work "When i'm active" and it does not. Sorry to say that but it's buggy.

Just in case I wasn't clear, I will explain further: BOINC does not check CPU use when determining whether the computer is "in use". It only checks keyboard and mouse activity.

This is by design.

[Apr 30, 2008 9:41:59 PM]

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Re: Boinc at Linux ignores preferences

Still the behavior isn't what specified. I want it to stop work "When i'm active" and it does not. Sorry to say that but it's buggy.

Just in case I wasn't clear, I will explain further: BOINC does not check CPU use when determining whether the computer is "in use". It only checks keyboard and mouse activity.

This is by design.

Then, with all due respect, this is poor design. Many of us run BOINC on servers that we do not physically access but to which we connect through SSH or another remote access mechanism.

Obviously, monitoring CPU usage is not a viable option since a running cron job could then be interpreted as the system being in use. But to monitor only keyboard and mouse activity is simply not enough.

Besides, never once have I seen BOINC stop processing when I'm physically using a system (and yes, I have my client configured correctly). If I let 'top' run to see my active processes, and I use the computer in another window, my BOINC processes continue to run at 100%.

The alternative right now is to stop the BOINC client when I'm working at a computer. But that's a mite inconvenient, and frustrating when I forget to turn it back on later.

[May 1, 2008 1:36:47 AM]

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Re: Boinc at Linux ignores preferences

What you suggest isn't actually possible.

How do you think it would work? Should BOINC hijack your SSH session and snoop on stdin? You see the problem. Or at least - I hope you see the problem.

If you want to discuss this in more detail, please take it up with the BOINC developers.

[May 1, 2008 1:49:25 AM]

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Re: Boinc at Linux ignores preferences

What you suggest isn't actually possible.

I haven't actually suggested anything. I'm just lamenting at the fact that keyboard/mouse monitoring doesn't quite fit the bill. But yes, I see the inherent problem.

Ah well, just wanted to gripe for a moment. Maybe I ought to shut up and get in on the development.

[May 1, 2008 2:04:33 AM]

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