Linux

BOINC on Linux Howto

BOINC on Linux Howto

After signing up as a BOINC volunteer I received a good number of e-mails from people who ran into problems while trying to install or run the BOINC client on Linux. Sure it isn’t a difficult task, but still it isn’t as straight forward as using it on Windows where you run the installation program and then you’re ready to goto.

I haven’t found much websites that can be helpful for novice Linux users, so here’s my attempt to describe the installation process… the easy way of coarse.

Ubuntu and Debian:

Install the program using the apt-get tool. On the shell, type:

sudo apt-get install boinc-client boinc-manager

This will install both the client and the manager. Now type boincmgr to run the graphical user interface, and follow the instructions to attach new projects to the BOINC core client.

A non-graphical alternative to boincmgr is the boinc_cmd program, which is included in the boinc-client package. Note that this method is applicable for all Ubuntu derivatives such as Linux Mint, Fluxbuntu, Elbuntu, Ubuntu Studio, and more.

Fedora and Redhat Linux:

Download the latest version from here (check the date). Once downloaded, type the following on shell:

sudo rpm -Uhv boinc_client-*

Done, now you’re ready to go! Run the BOINC manager attach your projects.

Other Distributions:

Follow these steps:
1) Downlod the the latest version of BOINC from here (.sh file)
2) In order to make the file executable, goto shell, become root, and type:

chmod +x boinc_*

3) Now let’s run it. Type:

sh boinc_*

You’ll now see a new directory on same location named BOINC. Get in and run the binstall.sh file. This script will finish the installation and will provide you information on how to start BOINC manually.

If you’ve any questions, then please post it as a comment. Make sure you submit your e-mail address as well, so that I can get back to you. Thanks!

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