A guide to Macro and Micro Computer Performance Evaluation.

Abstract

Guidelines and discussions are presented for computer performance evaluation at two levels. The first level, Computer Performance Management (CPM) or Macro Performance Evaluation, involves an overall computer performance management strategy concerning the use of computer resources. The role of CPM throughout the computer system life-cycle is also discussed. The second level of computer performance involves Computer Performance Evaluation (CPE) or Micro Performance Evaluation. A brief discussion of CPE tools is given, as well as how to select a performance monitor. Some computer performance fallacies are revealed and a discussion of the determination of "critical sections" of software systems and program tuning practices for improving system performance is presented. Limited discussion is devoted to performance issues in relatively new areas in the computer field such as networks, data base management systems and microcomputers.