Returning Results



What is contained in the files I send back to the World Community Grid servers?

When the software has completed processing a work unit, it will create a file containing the results which will be sent back to the World Community Grid servers. If a work unit was aborted due to an error, a report of the occurrence may be submitted in place of the result file.



May I download and process multiple work units, then return all of the results at one time?

The software used by World Community Grid does allow you to download multiple work units. It is unlikely that you will return all the work units together unless your device is disconnected from the internet while it completes the work units. For more information on cacheing workunits, please refer to this FAQ.



How does the software return results?

The software returns a result to the World Community Grid servers in two phases. The first phase begins as soon as the workunit has finished processing. The first phase involves uploading the result files to the World Community Grid servers. The second phase consist of the software contacting the World Community Grid scheduler and notifying it that all the result files have been uploaded and the result is ready for validation. The second phase might not occur for several hours after a workunit has finished processing. This delay is because the software tries to minimize the number of scheduler communications that are made in order to minimize the load on the World Community Grid servers. By delaying the request, the software may be able to combine two communications into one.

If you have a ‘always on connection’ or if your machine is configured to automatically dial-up when an internet connection is needed, then the software will perform all of these activities automatically without any member intervention required.



What is a Work Unit?

A work unit consists of data that represents a small part of an overall problem that the research project is trying to solve. Work Units are also referred to as Results.



How do I limit the number of tasks assigned to one of my devices for a specific project?

Some projects can be very memory intensive, and some devices are not able to handle these memory intensive projects starting up multiple tasks for that project at a single time. Limiting the number of tasks allowed for a project will help to keep that from happening.

To limit the number of tasks for a specific project, please follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your member account.
  2. Click on Settings and then Device Manager.
  3. Select the device profile you would like to make the changes to.
  4. On the Device Profiles page, select Custom Profile.
  5. Scroll down to the Project Limits section and set the tasks limits to your preferences.
  6. Click the Save button.