Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers about Compute4Cure and Folding@home.
What is Compute4Cure?
Compute4Cure (C4C) is a grassroots volunteer effort running Folding@home simulations to support medical research. No salaries, no overhead — just compute power turned into science.
Why does Folding@home matter?
Many diseases — including Alzheimer’s, cancer, and Parkinson’s — are linked to proteins folding incorrectly. Folding@home simulates these processes to help researchers understand, prevent, and treat disease.
What research are you running right now?
Active work changes based on real scientific demand and commonly includes Alzheimer’s, cancer, influenza, and genetic or protein-structure disorders.
Do my points actually count?
Yes. Every work unit is verified by Folding@home and added to the global dataset used in published scientific research. Points are just a public metric for real computation.
Can I help without donating hardware?
Absolutely. Install Folding@home, enter Team ID 1067730, and let your computer contribute while idle or overnight.
Is my computer too old?
Probably not. Even older machines can contribute in CPU or low-power mode. Idle compute is still useful compute.
How do I donate hardware?
Email info@compute4cure.org. We offer free local pickup in the Chicago, Milwaukee, and Northern Indiana areas.
Is donating hardware secure?
Yes. You can wipe your drive yourself, or we will securely zero and reimage everything at no cost before use or redistribution.
What if my hardware is too old?
If it doesn’t meet our compute needs, we refurbish and donate it through partners like PCs for People — nothing goes to landfill.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Not yet. Compute4Cure is currently a volunteer initiative and is actively pursuing nonprofit status.
Who runs Compute4Cure?
Volunteers. No salaries, no investors, no overhead — just people contributing time, hardware, and electricity to support open science.