The Initium RJS ScreenSaver: Part 2, UNIX.

Abstract

This paper describes a Java-based screensaver technology for the Initium Remote Job Submission (RJS) system running on UNIX XWindows. Initium RJS is a Java Web Start (JAWS) technology that enables Java-based grid computing. The Initium RJS system uses screensavers to enable CPU scavenging. A screensaver is a program that activates during a period of user-computer quiescence. Detection of this quiet time enables the use of otherwise wasted CPU cycles. When the period of user-computer quiescence ceases, the screensaver terminates any currently running compute jobs, releasing the computer back for general use. Such a program constitutes a first step toward utilizing otherwise idle compute resources in a grid computing system. We are motivated to study screen-savers because they represent a minimally invasive technology for volunteering CPU services. Typically, computers are used between 40 and 60 hours out of a 168-hour week. This represents approximately 35% utilization. Our theory is that a screen-saver based cycle scavenging will improve this number dramatically. We are motivated to provide a Java-based environment in order to capitalize on Java’s inherent heterogeneity. This makes a larger universe of grid-compute servers available, without requiring changes to the computational program. This paper is part 2 of a 5 part series on Java-based screensavers. Part 1 addressed the creation of screensavers on MS Windows platform systems. Parts 2 and 3 address the Linux and Macintosh-based screensavers. Part 4 addresses the automatic deployment and installation of the screensavers. Part 5 speaks to the problem of screensaver integration with the Initium RJS system. Initium RJS is a joint project between DocJava, Inc. and Fairfield University. The goal of the Initium RJS system is to improve the accessibility of grid computing to Java developers. THE INITIUM RJS SCREENSAVER: PART 2, UNIX 8 JOURNAL OF OBJECT TECHNOLOGY VOL. 5, NO. 6