I installed and ran SETI@Home through BOINK.
I'd like to have SETI run only when my computer is idle (as a screen saver).
Under preferences I checked the boxes for computing allowed when computer is in use but only after 3 min. However, even when I'm using the computer (as opposte to letting it go idle) SETI tasks are still running.

Is there any way to pause SETI tasks so they only run during idle/screensaver mode?

In your computing preferences, make sure you set these:

Suspend work while computer is in use? yes
Suspend GPU work while computer is in use? yes
'In use' means mouse/keyboard activity in last 3 minutes
Suspend work if no mouse/keyboard activity in last --- minutes

Then open BOINC Manager->Advanced view->Projects tab->Select Set->click Update, so the BOINC client on your computer knows about these preferences as well.

And to make absolutely sure you're not running with the local preferences, which override those from the web-site, do the following:
BOINC Manager->Advanced view->Advanced->Preferences->click Clear.

---

Suspend work while computer is in use? yes
Suspend GPU work while computer is in use? yes
'In use' means mouse/keyboard activity in last 3 minutes
Suspend work if no mouse/keyboard activity in last --- minutes

Then open BOINC Manager->Advanced view->Projects tab->Select Set->click Update, so the BOINC client on your computer knows about these preferences as well.

And to make absolutely sure you're not running with the local preferences, which override those from the web-site, do the following:
BOINC Manager->Advanced view->Advanced->Preferences->click Clear.

I did this.
But when my computer switches to idle/screensaver I get:
"No Running Tasks. Computer is in use."
For a second it seems like it will work. The SETI graph pops up for a split second, but then the screen goes black and I just see the BOINK logo and "No Running Tasks. Computer is in use."

See if it helps to set:

Suspend work if CPU usage is above --- %
0 means no restriction
Enforced by version 6.10.30+

Gruß,
Gundolf

---

Computer sind nicht alles im Leben. (Kleiner Scherz)

SETI@home classic workunits 3,758
SETI@home classic CPU time 66,520 hours

Enforced by version 6.10.30+

He's using 6.10.21, so not in use.

I'm wondering if the Mac uses a boinctray of sorts, so I've asked the developer about that.

A.O, you could try to upgrade to BOINC 6.10.51, which is the new recommended on the Mac.

---

What timer delay have you set the screen saver for? Less than 3 minutes, or more than 3 minutes? If less than 3 minutes, it's normal you don't see any Seti screen saver, as Seti isn't running yet -> You have BOINC set to wait for 3 minutes of idle time before calculations start. So the screen saver should start after 4 minutes, after BOINC/Seti has started.

---

Enforced by version 6.10.30+

He's using 6.10.21, so not in use.

I'm wondering if the Mac uses a boinctray of sorts, so I've asked the developer about that.

A.O, you could try to upgrade to BOINC 6.10.51, which is the new recommended on the Mac.

Nope, there is only a menu bar item when the Manager is open.

---

See if it helps to set:

Suspend work if CPU usage is above --- %
0 means no restriction
Enforced by version 6.10.30+

Gruß,
Gundolf

I set the CPU usage to 0 and I also installed version 6.10.30.

I have BOINK begin running after my computer isn't in use after 3 min. However, my displays won't go to sleep until my computer is inactive for 10 min, so there should be plenty of time for SETI to start.

SETI still pops up, looking like it's going to work, but then the screen goes black and nothing happens :(

Do you know that you don't need the screensaver to run SETI (or any other BOINC project)?

It might have to do with graphic drivers that your computer doesn't display the screensaver.

But you should check with the BOINC manager that SETI is really executing all the time that you don't use mouse or keyboard. You can see that in advanced view on the Tasks tab.

Obviously, your computer did some work, since you have sampled some credits, but it hasn't been much. So, check the Messages tab too for hints.

Gruß,
Gundolf

Thanks for all the suggestions guys!

It might be a good idea to look at the System Preferences for the ScreenSaver via the Apple menu
that should show what has been set when SETI was last updated.

SETI should be available to choose for the ScreenSaver and the delay before it appears is shown (and can be changed) on the sliding scale.

Keith