Understanding Linux and UNIX Load Average - How It Works

Posted by Vivek Gite [Last updated: February 22, 2007]

Have you ever wondered how those three little numbers that appear in the UNIX w or uptime/top command load average (LA) report are calculated?

This is an excellent read if you would like learn more about how and how the load average (LA) can be reorganized to do better capacity planning.

The article concludes that:

These inherited limitations are significant if you try to use them for capacity planning purposes. I'll have more to say about all this in the next online column Load Average Part II: Not Your Average Average.

Oh, I can't wait to read second part...

UNIX® Load Average Part 1: How It Works ( via Adminspotting.net)

Want to stay up to date with the latest Linux tips, news and announcements? Subscribe to our free e-mail newsletter or RSS feed to get all updates. You can Email this page to a friend.