I just got a new server today, and I hate letting it sit there do nothing while I pay for it. Is there any cool cloud computing software available like Folding@Home that does something similar but maybe has a bit of a return for doing it other than points? Would go with bit coins, but I'm a bit late for that.

Remember you're sharing resources with others:

http://www.linode.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=24796

Ah, you're right. Guess that wouldn't be very fair. What about something not so CPU intensive, like maybe something that just hits a database every now and then or something, at least until I have some sites completed.


EDIT: hmm would it be possible to have it download my (legal) torrents for me, and then I would just download over http later?

Yes.

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If you ask me, the desire to utilize 100% of all computing resources just because you have them is not a good behavior.
I too once also had this desire. I just wanted to see torrents transferring and CPU churning.. even if it was on something like tormenting which really isn't beneficial for anyone.

Now I'm proud to say that If I don't need my laptop to complete a task, then it's shut. We'll now I'm doing scientific computing at the University, and I can't get enough computing power!!!
even then I could spend more time refining my algorithms and less time watching the CPU Temp Monitor lol. Though it's quite ascetic to watch the CPU temperature rise
I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to shut all the computers off and read for a few more days.