The search for the perfect kernel scheduler is like searching for the Holy Grail. Linux 2.6 started with the O(1) scheduler, which solved a lot of issues for real-time processes. However, it didn’t scale to large NUMA (non-uniform memory access) machines. The Linux kernel can scale to 4096 processors. Not all the processors have to share the same bus architecture and memory. Rather, a machine could consist of multiple 16 to 24 processor systems connected by a high-speed bus. This is the world of NUMA, as each sysem has its own memory that can be shared with other systems. The Completely Fair Scheduler (CFS) scaled to large NUMA machines, but created problems with systems that had less than 16 cores. CFS also scales well to the high core count of new GPUs (Graphic Processing Unit), which can also run non-graphical processes. For mobile devices with less than 16 cores, it creates problems with heating.
A Good Reason to Use PCLinuxOS 2010
August 30th, 2010 — Uncategorized
Does PCLinuxOS LXDE Take the Lightweight Title?
August 30th, 2010 — Linux Distributions, Linux Installation
After installing PCLinuxOS Xfce, I was ready for the GRUB configuration issues. One experiment, however, forced me to install it twice. Although similar to PCLinuxOS Xfce, PCLinuxOS LXDE also different. I am not just referring to the memory footprint. How does it compare to PCLinuxOS Xfce?
Exploring PCLinuxOS Xfce
August 29th, 2010 — Linux Distributions, Linux Installation
Since the HP laptop used for this test only has a 30 gigabyte disk, I split the space used by Fedora 13 between PCLinuxOS Xfce and PCLinuxOS LXDE. With only 512 megabytes of memory, lighter weight desktops are a plus. Besides, this was a chance to compare Xfce and LXDE from one Linux community. This is my first round with PCLinuxOS, so my comments do not reference any previous versions.
Thoughts on Linux Mint 9
August 16th, 2010 — Linux Distributions, Linux Installation
Linux Mint 9 is my favorite Ubuntu derivative, but still is not my favorite Linux distro. OpenSuse still holds the number 1 spot, but Linux Mint is getting closer to being number 1. After all the problems with Fedora 13, it was a pleasure to install something that worked.
Comments on Fedora 13
August 16th, 2010 — Linux Distributions, Linux Installation
I installed Fedora 13 on Friday the 13th. Friday the 13th as unlucky day may be a myth, but my experience with Fedora 13 was not.
Thoughts on Linux and EPUB
February 26th, 2010 — Linux Applications
EPUB (Electronic Publication) was adopted as an open standard by the International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF) in September 2007. Most eBook readers support the standard, even the iPhone and iPad have readers that support EPUB. Yet, Linux lags behind in both publishing tools and readers. There are alternatives for the Linux user.
Linux Google Chrome Revisted
February 22nd, 2010 — Linux Applications, Linux Social Networking Software
When I looked at simple Web pages, Google Chrome seemed to have a smaller footprint than Firefox. The real question is how do the two compare when viewing a more complex Web site, such as HootSuite? How does Google’s Web Application compare to Prism?
Mandriva 2010 – A Review
February 18th, 2010 — Linux Distributions, Uncategorized
Mandriva 2010 has a vastly improved install script. The install provided a choice between KDE and Gnome desktops. I went with Gnome, as KDE and older machines have a stormy relationship. After the initial boot, there were several problems.
openSUSE 11.2 Still My Favorite
February 17th, 2010 — Linux Distributions
openSUSE still has the best install script. After dealing with a minor screen resolution issue, the install completed without a hitch. After the reboot, openSUSE ran without problems. However, I did learn one very important lesson.
SimplyMepis Linux 8.0.15 Review
February 16th, 2010 — Linux Distributions
I installed SimplyMepis Linux 8.0.15 (Mepis Linux, for short) from a Install/Live CD. It is a straight forward install. Their disk naming convention through me for a loop, but I got it right on the second install.
