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The load average is based of the number of processes sitting in the run
queue. The run queue just contains processes that need to hop on the cpu to
get something done as opposed to the wait queue which contains processes
waiting for I/O.
The load average is a rather subjective number. A load of 0 or 1 on a single
cpu computer means the cpu is meeting its current processing requirements.
Numbers continually higher that 1 means the cpu is not meeting the current
processing needs.
I generally just use it as a quick check when a machine is reported to be
running "slow". Also i find it a rather poor benchmark on multiprocessor
machines. Just use it as a rough mark on how busy the machine is.
Kevin Ruse
Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard
-----Original Message-----
From: Paul [mailto:emailme@dpagin.net]
Sent: Friday, August 15, 2003 3:13 PM
To: plug@lists.phillylinux.org
Subject: Re: [PLUG] Load Average
Brian Epstein wrote:
>On Fri, 15 Aug 2003, Paul wrote:
>
>
>>Could someone explain what "load average" is in a way that makes sense?
>>
>>
>
>>From the top Manual:
>
> "The load averages are the average number of process ready to run
> during the last 1, 5 and 15 minutes. This line is just like
> the output of uptime(1). The uptime display may be toggled by
> the interactive l command."
>
>Let me know if this doesn't make sense.
>
>
What does it really mean in practical terms? For example, when is a
load average too high? Does that number differ depending on the
system? What is an ideal load average, meaning that the system is being
utilized at a confortable level?
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_________________________________________________________________________
Philadelphia Linux Users Group -- http://www.phillylinux.org
Announcements - http://lists.netisland.net/mailman/listinfo/plug-announce
General Discussion -- http://lists.netisland.net/mailman/listinfo/plug
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