AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION INTO THE BEHAVIOR OF THE SDC TIME-SHARING SYSTEM.

Abstract

The behavior of a computer time-sharing system is intrinsically complex because such a system effects a compromise between allowing jobs to run to completion and allowing its several users simultaneous complete and immediate access to operate and debug their programs. It is generally known that computer systems that allow jobs to run to completion tend to maximize system efficiency; computer systems that offer the individual the most immediate possible response tend to maximize their utility to the user. It is also known that the relatively slow speeds of the I/0 devices that buffer individuals from computers (and vice versa) permit the time-sharing systems to service several users at a reasonable cost per user. The report attempts to make more precise statements about the behavior of the SDC time-sharing system, using data obtained from 13 one-hour recordings. These data include distributions of service and interarrival times, number of users, and overhead times. In addition, two scheduling logics are compared. Several measures of effectiveness, from both a system and an individual viewpoint are introduced and evaluated using these data. Some analyses have also been included to predict the effects of system changes. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 27, 1965
Accession Number
AD0622003

Entities

People

  • Robert A. Totschek

Organizations

  • System Development Corporation

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Computers
  • Computing Devices
  • Efficiency
  • Measures Of Effectiveness
  • Scheduling (Production)

Fields of Study

  • Computer science

Readers

  • Computer Science.
  • Systems Analysis and Design