What is SETI@home? It's an innovative piece of software that analyzes radio waves from outer space in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. If you sign up, you can use your computer to automatically study those waves. All this is done in the background or as a screensaver. And there's even an obscure chance your computer will detect a sign of life.

How do you join?

If you already have the software skip to Number 2.

If not head for the official SETI@home page: http://setiathome.ssl.berkeley.edu/

1. Download the software appropriate for your platform. Follow the instructions and the software will become your default screensaver. (You can always go back and use another screensaver if you wish.)
2. Click on "groups" on the SETI@home home page.
3. Next to "search for a group named" type in "space.com."
4. Click on "join this group". Then enter your E-mail address and the password you created when you downloaded the software.

Check back often to the SETI@home page to see the progress of our team and how we're doing in the standings. If you win a t-shirt or hat we will use the E-mail address you used to sign up and alert you. Good luck and thanks.