Tuning Computer Systems For Maximum Performance: A Statistical Approach
01 January 1985
In this paper we discuss a statistical approach to the problem of setting the tunable parameters of an operating system to minimize response time for interactive tasks. This approach is applicable to both tuning and benchmarking of computer systems. It is based on the use of statistical experimental design techniques and represents an inexpensive, systematic alternative to traditional ways of improving the response of systems. We illustrate the method by means of experiments performed on VAX minicomputers running under the UNIX System V Operating System.