You can also search for an answer, or ask for help in the GIMPS forums. Please consult the readme.txt file for possible answers. Linux and FreeBSD versions can also be set up to run every time you restart your computer. You can monitor each of your computers' progress, even remote-control the work assignments they request using your userID's CPUs page! Once you complete a workunit you can track your standings on the competitive stats pages the server updates every hour (see Top Producers in the menu, left, for more stats). You can administer your account and computers on your userID's account page. Usually the program and PrimeNet know the best work to assign, but it's up to you! That's all you need to do! The program contacts a central server called PrimeNet to get some work to do. We recommend Windows users select Options, Start at Bootup or Start at Logon. Enter your optional userID created on the website in Step 1, and optionally name your computer. Start the program! (Linux and FreeBSD users should run the program from the command line with a -m switch, i.e.Linux and FreeBSD users should use the standard tar and gzip decompression utilities. Other Windows users can choose from a variety of decompression programs. Windows 7, Vista, and XP have built-in unzip features. Create a directory and decompress the file you just downloaded.
Most importantly, you will need a lot of patience. WARNING: Running the program continuously will use about 40 watts of additional power, about the same as an energy-saving compact florescent lamp - your electric bill will go up just a little bit. The program will use about 32MB of memory and about 50MB of disk space. You should not see any impact on your system's performance. The program runs at the lowest possible priority.
GIMPS requires a modern PC that is on most of the time.
This page is aimed at people with Intel-compatible personal computers, although in many cases it is possible for UNIX and Mac users to participate as well. This page describes what you will need to participate in GIMPS and how it works on your computer. Additionally, it uses all of the cores of a multi-CPU / multi-core system to ensure a high-load stress test environment.
Since the software makes heavy use of the processor's integer and floating point instructions, it feeds the processor a consistent and verifiable workload to test the stability of the CPU and the L1/L2/元 processor cache. Prime95 has been a popular choice for stress / torture testing a CPU since its introduction, especially with overclockers and system builders.