In search of a Processer Load Explanation

[[JiF]Mike]

I've read a couple of messages in the other forums about the Processor load value, but it's tough to follow those forums sometimes. I understand it's not a percentage, but I'm having trouble interpretting the value. What is a high value, is it subjective to the server being monitored, or is there a max that all servers should adhere to? I'm just looking for a push in the right direction here. I'm not sure where to look for a good explanation. Thanx.


P.S. Love the new forums BTW! Did you happen to look at phpBB2? They're also a great forum solution, and free. :)

[cooper]

check out this link
http://www.teamquest.com/resources/gunther/ldavg1.shtml

its one of the better explinations i have found, though not definitve

[[JiF]Mike]

Well, it is of some help, but twards the end it is way over my head. :) Basically it seems as 3 is a theoretical max, however 2 seems more realistic according to their 'experiment'. It's more to go on than I had before, thanx! If anyone else knows of anything, I'd love to take a look at it.

[Alexei]

Think of UNIX processor load as number of simultaneously running processes. This simplifies everything. If processor load (1 minute average) is 2, it means that average number of running processes within last minute was 2.

I've seen processor loads more than 100, so 3 is not theoretical maximum :)