Re: Slow System

[Paul Braman <braman tsc-corp com>]

> > Something is fundamentally wrong.
> > 
> > If the CPU usage indicator runs full or even more than 30% it is time to
> > look at processor usage.
> > 
> > Take a look at "top". (e.g. man top)
> > 
> > Jim Tarvid

This is not true.  Something is wrong if you're CPU usage does *not* run 
near full capacity most of the time.  (Assuming you're actually *doing* 
something during that time.)

Linux, like most other Unices, will take full advantage of the system on 
which it is running.  That means that regardless of what process it 
happens to be running it wants to get it over with as quick as possible.  
The only way to do that is to shove as much stuff through the processor 
as you can.

Now, if your system is *not* running near full capacity there are some 
things to look at.  First, make sure you're not running out of RAM/swap.  
You'll most likely be using a lot of RAM, but if you're swapping out 
processes at the same time you've got a problem.  Second, consider which 
processes are running.  If the current process is an IO-intensive process 
and you're running slowly then maybe it's your IO subsystem.  Perhaps 
your disk drive can't shove enough data through to keep the process 
running efficiently.

Paul Braman
braman tsc-corp com