Every time someone asks "Is It Save", I hear the sound of a dentists drill... but seriously, yes it's save and WCG prides itself of being the only grid that uses SSL and actually audits the BOINC agent software to make sure it's not doing anything it's not supposed too, so it recommends it's corporate/college clients to only use the 'approved' versions for that extra save feel that IBM stands behind it. (currently an audit is underway for the new 6.10 final release.)

Here a link to the marketing tool page, where there is I think also a video / animation on how it works http://www.worldcommunitygrid.org/about_us/viewMarketingToolkit.do and a link to a wiki page where various facts are collected: http://wcg.wikia.com/wiki/Security

And, the Firewall and AV software do detect suspect behavior and viral signatures. In that's finally was convinced to get BitDefender 64 bit Unices for Linux... not even that platform is immune for webbrowser sneaks... the by far greatest security risk vector.

Finally, if wanting to add other project outside WCG, check them out first or use the function to disable attach/add.

Thanks for asking and thanks for promoting volunteering space computer cycles.

The Linux version installs a fully populated cc_config.xml opposed the Windows standard release. The WCG Windows 6.2.28 does and expect that the WCG 6.10 will do so too (on clean installs) so it will only tell if there is a new version when WCG has one. For the Ubuntu standard Synaptic pack it's in /etc/boinc-client. Don't know where the .sh Berkeley distros put it, if they do. There's an FAQ here that links to a wiki how to format and edit the cc_config.xml.

If you're succeeding in convincing your friends/colleagues/family to volunteer, let us know what convinced them specifically.

cheers

LOL umm...... this might prove just how NOT used to Linux i am but... instead of the internal boinc client offered by the Ubuntu Software Center (which i just found when i read your post). i just got it off the site and Downloaded it then ran it from there.. so umm yeah mine is all installed in a different folder and i have nothing BOINC related in my /ect hmm... well... yeah... i'll... just cross that bridge when needed. for referance it appears to be my get_project_config.xml...

should i just suspend my projects and run the one offered by the USC?

Skwiggs,
All files used by BOINC for its operation are in its BOINC Data directory.
And when it starts it gives you the full path to this BOINC Data directory in its Message log. Simply have a look at this log.
Depending on installations, most often it can be where Sekerob said or in /var/lib/boinc-client.

Yeah right, and then someone sought Skype volunteer BOINC help... we're all volunteers are we not ... and the person was asked to give email & grid password, then the person saw it's email filled with mail trying to recover his PayPal account password. Do use a junkable mail account and NEVER one through which you do privacy and financially sensitive information. Nothing is save if handled by blithering idiots [yes bluntly that the person was and realized in hindcast]

PS: If you feel like publishing your email address, even in none machine readable format, don't use the one used for your grid accounts either... which is why my grid account by recommendation and design has a different field to share an alternate email with team captains. Those who use their email address as member name are warned! Behave secure... always!