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Grid on my computer?!
Understandably there are a lot of concerns about a Grid, because an external software which can not be controlled is installed on the own computer. But Condor provides different mechanisms and configuration, to solve such problems.
Performance
At first Condor only starts a job if the computer is not used (this means, there is enough free CPU time and no activity at the keyboard and mouse).
A job which is executed will be stopped immediately, if the requirements for starting are job are not fulfilled anymore. Because of exclusively for Condor reserved memory and swap areas, the computer is available as fast as possible, without long waiting times.
This means that Condors is not recognized during the operation, because Condors only starts at the background if the computer is not used and Condor switches off if the computer is used for normal purposes (also see Why a Grid?).
Sicherheit
Concerning security there different arrangements to avoid damages at the running system. All applications are running in a so called sandbox, this is a "computer with in a computer" with minimal rights (application own, temporary directories). Furthermore only the central server at the Center for Computing and Communication is allowed to execute jobs at the Condor clients. With this, that only selective and manual integrated application are provided via the application server, the security risk is minimized.
If you have further questions, concerns about performance and security send us an email. We will think about the problem and contact you.