farmComm runs arbitrary programs (you choose) when user is idle, invisibly,* with access to graphics hardware, whether users are logged in or not! Terminates programs when user activity resumes. "Invisibly," because the program's UI does not show, but it is listed in Task Manager. Automate intensive tasks e.g. 3D renders or [ding ding!] cryptocurrency mining.
The source, compiled executables, and README with easy install instructions are available at:
https://github.com/r-alex-hall/farmCommNot mentioned in the following README file: it has an automated installer . . . which may only work (presently) from a console session (not a remote command prompt. To Do: fix that).
Planned new features include: Tools to easily run remote commands/command prompts on farm/miner nodes e.g. to remotely control farmComm installs. Configurable scheduled commands (e.g. to allow for more aggressive mining at night, less aggressive at day). Possibly hardware load monitoring (to *not* use a remote computer if it is running other automated resource-intensive tasks when users are not active).
Feedback, comments, rebukes or whatever are welcomed. Excerpting now from the README.md:
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PROBLEM: Petahashes or more of potential computational power lie dormant in the world, even an extremely tiny fraction of which power could be put to evil and greedy purposes, in the right hands.
SOLUTION: THIS TOOLSET!
(These hands are now YOUR hands!)
farmComm: launches arbitrary (you choose), configurable processes, partly hidden,* when any user is idle for 8.5 minutes (default). Terminates those processes when user resumes activity. Installs by default as a service which accesses graphics hardware even if no user is logged in! If the user session (login) it started in becomes inactive (disconnected), it migrates to access whichever session may be active, or if no session is active, it responds to the Secure Desktop (session 0). It therefore always appropriately responds to user idle/activity.
This functionality may be particularly useful for the automation of very resource-intensive tasks, e.g. 3D renders, fractal flame renders, or cryptocurrency mining--tasks which would use up a computer's resources and make it useless for everyday user computing tasks.
At this writing, it has been tested and confirmed to behave as described for cryptocurrency mining.
Built with AutoHotkey_L, designed for Windows 7.
*What is meant by "partly hidden" is that essentially any program launched by farmComm will run and function normally (other than any functionality which requires user interaction), but no part of the user interface of the program will appear--not anywhere. However, the program will still be detectable without a lot of investigation, e.g. it will be listed in the Windows Task Manager.
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