mahler@pur-ee.UUCP (Mahler) (08/27/84)
Below is an abstract for a very brief paper. 4.2 BSD sites might want to
consider changing to this new load averaging routine for calculating the
loadav numbers. The loadav is still based on the number of jobs in the
run queue (we are talking about changing that too ... ), but this routine
performs a true mathmatical average of the load.
Electronic copies of the paper, including source code (its small), will
be mailed to system adminstrators on request.
Reply directly to ...!pur-ee!mahler
A New Load Average Algorithm for 4.2 BSD UNIX*
William R. Simmons
Stephen J. Mahler
David A. Curry
Engineering Computer Network
School of Electrical Engineering
Purdue University
West Lafayette, Indiana 47907
ABSTRACT
This paper describes briefly a direct method
of computing VAX 4.2BSD UNIX System load averages.
The load average algorithm supplied with 4.2 BSD
UNIX uses an approximation algorithm to calculate
its values. While the approximation is reasonable
in some computing environments, its error is sig-
nificant under rapidly changing load conditions.
The direct method presented here provides the
actual load averages for the prescribed time
intervals. Such values allow much more definitive
use and interpretation by system and user programs
making decisions based on system load.
June 1984
_________________________
* UNIX is a trademark of Bell Laboratories.