Can you download "distributed computing" software to your office computer ?

"Distributed computing" software (the most famous of which is probably SETI@home) is popular.  But can you download such software to your office computer ?  What if it is for a charitable cause (medical / genetic research) ?  Two years ago, David McOwen downloaded Distributed.net 's encryption research project distributed computing software to a few hundred computers at the college campus where he was Systems Adminstrator.  Now the state of Georgia is prosecuting him for misuse of office property.  A large number of people are protesting.  What is my opinion ?  I think David did certainly do wrong.  He had no permission, authority or right to install the software on the college computers --- even if he claims he is a "true scientist" or did it for a worthy cause or never intended to do anything malicious.  Sure, sometimes we may use the fax machine to send out a magazine subscription or the photocopier to duplicate an important certificate.  But software which may run continuously on the office computer, even in "idle" cycles ?  In my opinion that is wrong --- unless you have explicit approval from  your management.

(Previous Reference to "Distributed computing" :  10-Sep-00)

Also read on IBM's "Grid Computing Initiative"