The OpenEdge DBA Files

Understanding UNIX Performance Metrics – Part One

In the techie world, few things are as misunderstood as UNIX performance metrics. Grab a cup of coffee, sit down, and join me as I go over a few things.

Metrics shmetrics…what metrics?

There are many. Let’s start with a few CPU-related metrics, then we’ll tackle memory, disk, kernel, network and more in later blog posts.

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Secrets of Database Startup Parameters – Part One of Two

Many are the secret societies in the human race: the Knights Templar, The Masons, The Department of Motor Vehicles…all carry a rich history of secrets and rituals both mysterious and inscrutable. One of the most secretive of such groups is that of the OpenEdge Database Administrators. Follow us, and you too may join their ranks.

So many parameters – what do they mean? Which should I use? Which shouldn’t I use? What are the secret magic values?

Database Buffers (-B)

The DBA equivalent of buying flowers for your wife – more is better…to a point. You want it to be big enough to hold the “working set” of data: the orders, invoices, pick-lists, etc. that your business needs right now to function efficiently.

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