Distributed computing among volunteers’ laptops is proving effective in detecting earthquakes. The Wired Campus reports the project today, explaining the laptops used are taking advantage of the fact that: “Laptop manufacturers have been adding motion sensors — accelerometers — that protect data by turning off machines’ hard drives in case the machines are dropped.” The homepage of the Quake-Catcher Network invites volunteers and provides downloads of the software required:

The Quake-Catcher Network is a collaborative initiative for developing the world’s largest, low-cost strong-motion seismic network by utilizing sensors in and attached to internet-connected computers.

With your help, the Quake-Catcher Network can provide better understanding of earthquakes, give early warning to schools, emergency response systems, and others. The Quake-Catcher Network also provides educational software designed to help teach about earthquakes and earthquake hazards.