System Performance Optimization (Second Edition)

Author: Xing Fei Zhen Guangqi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-09-01
Features: This book addresses two fundamental questions readers may have about computer systems: How can more work be accomplished without purchasing new hardware? When is it truly necessary to add hardware (more memory, faster disks, CPUs, and network interfaces)? Sometimes, simply eliminating some simple bottlenecks can solve many performance issues—but to achieve this, you must fully understand your computer and network to identify the true bottlenecks. In today's budget-constrained environment, understanding how to optimize system performance is more important than ever. Blindly investing in solutions is not a viable approach—and it may not even be effective. This book provides a comprehensive explanation of system performance. There are no simple solutions to performance issues. Without understanding how programs compete for system resources, you can only push the problem from one place in the system to another. Modifying configurations can resolve system performance issues. Sometimes, training is also a solution, teaching users more effective ways to complete their work (or meaning better coding practices, or simply "don't start nine simulations at the same time"). Regardless, understanding how computers and operating systems work is key to making them more efficient. Although the principles discussed in this book apply to all computer systems, this completely updated edition primarily focuses on Solaris and Linux. The book has expanded its coverage of I/O and network subsystems and added new content on understanding disk arrays, microprocessors, and code optimization.