>What does the * mean in the report?
As stated on the results query page,
.....
Lucas-Lehmer assignments usually start with an asterisk (*) to the right of
the exponent, indicating Prime95 will try to factor the Mersenne number. If a
factor is found, the exponent goes directly to the Cleared Exponents report.
If no factor is found, the asterisk disappears, and the assignment remains on
the list until the 64-bit Lucas-Lehmer residue is returned. When the residue
is returned, the completed exponent is moved to the Cleared Exponents report.
Factoring assignments do early elimination work, and always have a (F) to the
right of the exponent. If a factor is found, the exponent is moved to the
Cleared Exponents report. If no factor is found, the exponent is released back
into the unassigned testing pool for Lucas-Lehmer testing or further
factoring.
Double-check assignments are identical to Lucas-Lehmer assignments, however a
(D) also appears to the right of the exponent. These comparatively rare tests
recompute earlier residues of questionable reliability.
A Mersenne Prime appears with a (P) to the right of the exponent. Discovery of
these rare gems is the purpose of the GIMPS project. If your computer reports
a Mersenne prime to PrimeNet, you will be contacted via e-mail shortly
afterward by the PrimeNet server and leading Mersenne number researchers.
Important: Worldwide academic research discovery rules apply. You are
obligated to await verification of the discovery and a press release from
George Woltman, before communicating your discovery.
