So, does anyone have any ideas on exactly how to do this under linux? 
I've been toying with the idea for some time now.  We periodically have
rather large Beowulf cluster to test and burn-in.  One of our standard
test jobs is to render a single scene with pvmpov in a never-ending loop
for about 48 hours.  (the scene usually renders in under 10 sec)  I
think it would be cool to set up a public render farm but I see some
problems.

1)  How can we handle bad scene files, and other errors? While we could
allocate the hardware for the project, we would have very little time to
administer it.  The whole thing would need to be automated.  I have a
real job to do. 

2)  How can we keep people from abusing it?  While some of these system
are quite powerful, (the last was a 64 node dual 450 MHz PIIs linked
with gigabit e-net) I'm sure someone could come up with a scene that
would bring it to its knees.

3)  Our local telco is REALLY dragging their feet on upgrading their
equipment.  As a result, we are currently stuck with a single 56k modem
for internet connections.  This should change soon.  But file size would
be a consideration.  I would like to do most of the email work at night
when no one is here.

4)  What do we get from it?  How do I get the boss to go for it?  One
thought I had was to allow us to use some of the images in demos.  I
guess there's always the "good will" thing.

5)  While we usually have at least an 8 node system up and running, the
larger systems are usually only here for a week or two before they are
shipped to the customers.  We need to be able to easily add and remove
nodes.  We don't have time to reconfigure much.  Again, it's not what I
get paid to do.

6)  I'm sure there are many more to consider......


	I'm willing to spend my own time on this, but seeing how I won't be
getting paid for it, there's a limit.  Besides, it could make for a cool
group project.  Let me know what you think.

dave






Kyle Stamper wrote:
> 
> I have a very old and slow computer. Is there anywhere I can upload pov
> scene files for rendering, then download the image when it's finished? I
> doubt if such a wonderful place exists, but it would sure be
> nice...*sigh*
> 
>         Kyle Stamper

-- 
David Tucker
dav### [at] altatechcom
http://www.altatech.com/

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