Ubuntu Tutorials

Its been a while since I’ve blogged about my Folding@Home management tool, now called Origami.  There was a lull there in development for a while, but this last week I’ve done probably 20+ commits, which puts us up to version 0.6.6.1.  There are now also two branches being maintained on Launchpad (bzr).  One for trunk, which has the latest-greatest features, and another branch called debian which will track the package source files.  As usual, if anyone would like to check out the code and offer improvements feel free.

I also wanted to announce that it is now available in package form via my Launchpad PPA!  Launchpad FTW!  The current .deb is based on the current debian branch.  If any packagers want to take a look and tell me how to improve the package (this is my first one afterall) I’d be very interested.

I should also mention that with the rename there has bit a bit of an overhaul in the code base.  Origami is not directly backwards compatible with folding.sh! I have to say that the simplest method for the transition is uninstalling folding.sh (sudo folding.sh erase) and then installing the Origami package.  This will cause you to lose your current work progress, so maybe wait until you’ve just started a new work-unit and give it a go.

Installing Origami via Launchpad PPA

To install Origami using Launchpad’s Personal Package Archive system, simply add the following line to your /etc/apt/sources.list file or “Add” in System > Admin > Software Sources.

deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/christer.edwards/ubuntu hardy main

Once that line is in your config file make sure to update (sudo apt-get update) and then install the origami package.  Currently it is only built for Ubuntu 8.04 “Hardy”, but by the end of the week I’ll have the other supported releases built as well.  (To install for a previous release simply replace “hardy” with “release” in your configuration.)

I’ve been happy with all the feedback so far.  Thanks to those that have reported bugs and helped me make Origami even better.  If anyone finds any additional bugs or has feature requests please let me know!

I’m trying to come up with a more creative name for my folding @ home management tool.  I put up a quick poll on the Ubuntu Forums.  If you care to offer a vote or suggestions please take a minute and drop by.

folding.sh renaming poll