Hi,

From the SETI FAQ we've got -

"
Will running SETI@home overload or burn out my CPU?

No. The CPU on most computers is always executing instructions (often the 
operating system's "idle loop") whenever the computer is turned on. It's 
no additional strain to execute SETI@home.
"

What are the computers that don't fit into "most" ?  (How can they say 
"No" and then contradict themselves in the next sentance?  Should be 
"Probably not").

A friend showed me that when he runs SETI on his laptop, the fan will cut 
in within 10 seconds or so.  I understand some laptops have power saving 
features so I guess that's the case here.  He's got an Intel Pentium of 
some sort in a Dell laptop.  My Dell laptop with a slower processor 
doesn't do the same thing - so I'm not sure.

Reading about one of the add-ons at http://www.suggestie.nl/seti/ it says 

"The Seti client runs at low priority in order not to interfere with 
other software. It however uses all CPU power you have left at any time, 
which results in a constant 100% CPU load of your computer. This may 
result in overheating problems which may damage your pc."

So what's the story?

I'm interested in the effects on -

Intel Dell Laptops
AMD/Intel PC's running Windows or some UNIX variant.
Itanium 2 with HPUX
Power PC - AIX.

Cheers

Peter