1. A computer-implemented method comprising: by a computer system comprising computer hardware: receiving a request from a computing device to perform a distributed task on hardware or software resources associated with the computer system; receiving raw data from the computing device for processing; providing an interface for setting of processing parameters by an end user; automatically initiating performance of the distributed task using the received raw data and the processing parameters without substantial user interaction; periodically storing in a local data structure operating state information associated with the computer system during performance of the distributed task that has been initiated; and providing an interface for viewing current operating state information associated with the computer system during performance of the distributed task that has been initiated.