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This paper presents instruction and data cache miss rates for the SPEC95[TM] benchmark suite. We have simulated the instruction and data traffic resulting from 500 million instructions of each of the 18 programs. Simulation results show that only a few of the applications place more than modest demands on the memory system. This was noticed for instruction caches, where only a few workloads required more than a 32Kb cache to achieve miss rates of less than one miss every 1000 instructions. We also analyze two prefetching algorithms using the SPEC95 workload: next-sequential prefetching and shadow-directory prefetching. Each prefetching algorithm is evaluated using three performance metrics: coverage, accuracy, and traffic. Variations in each prefetching algorithm involve the use of a confirmation mechanism that receives feedback information about the quality of each prefetch. With confirmation, the prefetching algorithm is able to enhance the accuracy of prefetching decisions. The results show that shadow-directory prefetching averages miss coverage about ten percent higher than next-sequential prefetching when used in prefetching instructions (about 60 percent coverage for next-sequential prefetching versus 70 percent for shadow-directory prefetching). The prefetching accuracy for both algorithms is more than 90 percent when a confirmation mechanism is used. In general, data prefetching is shown to be less accurate and to provide less coverage than instruction prefetching. Shadow-directory prefetching averaged about a 40 percent miss coverage versus a 25 percent miss coverage for next-sequential prefetching. Prefetching accuracy is over 70 percent when confirmation is applied.

The mode of operation of the software 'SpiceAge for Windows' is revealed by examining the characteristics of a circuit with a common emitter amplifier. The circuit, also known as the SpiceAge circuit, has a minimum number of components and consists of a constant voltage source providing base bias. The software is used primarily for evaluating the direct current circuit performance under several quiescent conditions.

The implementation of a performance analysis system at the Safety Products Division of Mine Safety Appliances Co. in Pittsburgh, PA, is described. The performance analysis system was a contributory factor to the trimming of excess inventories by a total of $8.6 million during the first two years of its use. The figure translates to a 31% reduction of excess inventory over a two-year period.

Information systems managers are often faced with the dilemma of whether to upgrade an existing AS/400 or buying a new version. Turning to the former sometimes results in a system below par with company expectations. Performance programming can help resolve the upgrade/purchase dilemma. The application of performance programming techniques to new applications results in less direct access storage devices, faster run time and reduced conflict with other programs.

Ten monitors are rated on the basis of such features as screen flicker, line brightness and resolution. The prices range from $595 for the IOcomm ThinkSync 5 CM-5128 to $1,789.95 for the Sony CPD-1604S. The DisplayMate Professional software package also is rated.

With corporate Web sites getting millions of hits per day, the choice of Web-server software can be critical. Web servers that don't respond crisply under heavy loads can bog down […]

COMPUTER PROGRAMS TAKE THE MYSTERY OUT OF CHOOSING A CAM Easily one of the most baffling aspects of building a performance engine is selecting a camshaft. With well over a […]

The AERO*COMP is designed to analyze motor performance for the model airplane builder. Priced at $99, it will operate on PCs or compatibles. The program requires the input of basic descriptors. It then describes the expected performance of the model.

As with anything life, the more good choices there are available, the more difficult the decision becomes. For example, there are more than a dozen different after-market small-block Chevrolet heads […]

Convergence is becoming more than an industry-driven mantra. For many of us, converged networks are the operational foundations for survival. That means when the PBX gets moved to some dark […]

As companies rely on Web sites to run more complex applications that drive revenue and relationships, technology managers must find ways to accurately monitor performance-and quickly troubleshoot problems. More often […]

Beyond MES: exception management for control of business processes Today, e-Business is pressuring manufacturers to become more agile, flexible, and responsive to customers. Manufacturers must respond by organizing their manufacturing [...]

Hewlett-Packard's OpenView VantagePoint Web Transaction Observer takes a different approach to collecting performance data than some of its competitors. While the product has the ability to import data from Keynote […]

As DSL and cable modems become more common, a new generation of utility software is emerging to help broadband users manage high-speed Internet connections. A couple of years ago, when […]

As DSL and cable modems become more common, a new generation of utility software is emerging to help broadband users manage high-speed Internet connections. A couple of years ago, when […]

Neon Software Inc.'s CyberGauge 3.0 is a simple product that helps network administrators know which routers, gateways and even servers are up and have connectivity and throughput. Not only that, […]

QM Perception is Internet-based testing software. Users can create quizzes and tests to evaluate employee knowledge of company policies, new products, technical procedures, and other industry- or company-specific [...]

Performance Measurement for World Glass Manufacturing is a software program that allows users to calculate the effect of improvement efforts. It features assistance with developing a step-by-step assessment methodology and [...]

Planning to make changes to your network? Perhaps you want to add a Web server or implement an enterprise resource planning solution, but you wonder how such an adjustment will […]