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.
Entries Tagged 'Uncategorized' ↓
A Good Reason to Use PCLinuxOS 2010
August 30th, 2010 — Uncategorized
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.
Linux Kernel Fundamentals Course
January 28th, 2010 — Uncategorized
The latest version of the courseware for my Linux Kernel Fundamentals course is now available from ITCourseware at http://bit.ly/bf82sN.
