Bugzilla Bug 38010

I see that there is a dnetc client on gentoo, ... why not a Mersenne number
client too ?

GIMPS requires a Pentium class computer that is on most of the time. The
program runs at the lowest possible priority. You should not see any impact on
your system's performance. The program will use about 8MB of memory and about
10MB of disk space.

Most importantly, you will need a lot of patience. Roughly speaking it will
take about a month to run a single primality test - visit the benchmark page
for a more accurate estimate on your computer.

If you've decided you have a powerful enough computer and enough patience to
stick with the project, then visit the download page for instructions on
downloading, installing, and starting the program.

The program talks to PrimeNet, a central server on the Internet, to get work to
do and report results. The program communicates using the HTTP protocol and may
require a little extra configuration to get through some firewalls. The program
only sends a few hundred bytes every week or two. Thus, there is no impact on
your network performance. The program does not require a continuous Internet
connection and if properly configured will not automatically dial out to
establish an Internet connection.

There are three types of work assigned by the server. PII-400 and faster
computers get first-time primality tests. These tests require the most work and
have the best chance of finding a new Mersenne prime. Pentium-90 and faster
computers get double-check assignments. These assignments do not take as long
and can find a Mersenne prime only if the original test had a problem. The
slowest computers are assigned factoring work. This helps by eliminating some
exponents for the faster computers.

Every half hour the program saves its state so that if there is a computer
crash you will lose at most a half-hour of work. All temporary files and
program settings are conveniently stored in the same folder as the program.

Before you complete your assignment, the program will get more work to do. This
will assure that your computer has a continuous supply of work.

If you are lucky enough to find a new Mersenne prime, the program notifies the
server and optionally emits a continuous sound to notify you of the happy news!

Added to CVS as app-sci/gimps.