SETI and general information FAQ (Start Here!)

Q: What is SETI? A: [spoiler]The search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) is the collective name for a number of activities undertaken to search for intelligent extraterrestrial life. SETI projects use scientific methods in this search. For example, electromagnetic radiation is monitored for signs of transmissions from civilizations on other worlds. Some of the most well-known projects are run by Harvard University, the University of California, Berkeley, and the SETI Institute. In 1995, the United States federal government ceased funding to SETI projects, forcing them to turn to private funding to continue the search, though in recent years government funding of SETI has resumed at modest levels. There are great challenges in searching the cosmos for signs of intelligent life, including their identification and interpretation. SETI projects use the best available scientific knowledge to conduct experiments, which has traditionally led to searches for electromagnetic radiation emitted by advanced technologies.[/spoiler] Read more here: [url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SETI[/url] Q: What is SETI@home? A: [spoiler]SETI@home ("SETI at home") is an Internet-based public volunteer computing project employing the BOINC software platform, hosted by the Space Sciences Laboratory, at the University of California, Berkeley, in the United States. SETI is an acronym for the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence. Its purpose is to analyze radio signals, searching for signs of extra terrestrial intelligence, and is one of many activities undertaken as part of SETI.[/spoiler] Read more here: [url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SETI@home[/url] Q: How is this organized? A: [spoiler] The hierarchy works like this: At the base level we have your computer, which is downloading data from SETI and processing it for the project. There is more information on the specifics of this in the installation thread. Next, your computer has an associated username on SETI@home's website (which you select during installation). This is essentially your profile. Your username can be associated with a "team" on SETI@home, which allows you to group the credits you earn (by processing data) with the credits of everyone else associated with that team. The specifics of joining our team are in the installation thread. This (bungie.net) group is separate from the whole process. We're only here to help you get the rest of those things set up.[/spoiler]