- Introduction
- Metrics of performance
- Average performance and variability
- Errors in experimental measurements
- Comparing alternatives
- Measurement tools and techniques
- Benchmark programs
Measuring Computer Performance
A Practitioner's Guide
David J. Lilja
Cambridge University Press, New York, NY, 2000
ISBN 0-521-64105-5
- Linear regression models
- Design of experiments
- Simulation and random number generation
- Queueing analysis
- Glossary
- Appendices
Additional references on operational analysis
- Brief Announcement: Operational Analysis of Processor Speed Scaling
- Operational Analysis of Parallel Servers
Reviewers' comments
"Lilja's book is conceptually well formulated, mathematically well grounded, and even intuitively appealing... This book is clearly an essential reference for the professional engaged in computer (or network) performance measurement and capacity planning."
"... practically oriented book will be of interest to anyone who wants a detailed, yet intuitive, understanding of computer systems performance analysis."
Measuring Computer Performance sets out the fundamental techniques used in analyzing and understanding the performance of computer systems. The emphasis is on practical methods of measurement, simulation, and analytical modeling. The book discusses performance metrics and provides detailed coverage of the strategies used in benchmark programs. In addition to intuitive explanations of key statistical tools, the general "design of experiments" technique is described to show how the maximum amount of information can be obtained with minimum effort. Features include appendices listing common probability distributions and statistical tables and a glossary of important technical terms.
