upPerformance and Capacity
Few years ago Performance and Capacity was mainly a mainframe related job performed by MVS gurus. It entered the UNIX servers world around 1991 - 1992 time frame. It become very visible with the emergence of the WEB related applications servers. While in the MVS world was to expensive to waste system resources, in the WEB world is to expensive not having enough resources to sustain a competitive response time. The field of Performance and Capacity is a cross bred between system Operating Systems and Application analysis and programming on one side and mathematical statistics on the other side.
Entries
Speed Up PC Performance http://www.speedupnow.com/Modem tweaks and browser tips to speed up Internet access. Reports web accelerator software options which claim full optimization.
ATL-CSIM: System Simulation and Modeling Tools. http://www.atl.external.lmco.com/projects/csim/Lockheed Advanced Technology Labs' CSIM is a general purpose discrete-event simulator for block diagram oriented systems. Graphical/interactive or text/batch simulations. Not to be confused with Mesquite Software's CSIM18, another simulation tool.
Stratton & English Software - Performance Specialists http://www.strattonenglish.co.uk/Provider of Internet Software Services, specialising in Performance Investigations - including performance prediction, optimisation and testing.
Quantitative System Performance http://www.cs.washington.edu/homes/lazowska/qsp/Introductory text on analytic computer performance models. Complete text is available as searchable PDF. Published in 1984.
Subcategories
Benchmarking A standardized task to test the capabilities of various devices against each other for such measures as speed.
Capacity PlanningCPU Saturation ModelsResponse Time ModelsRelated categories
Load and Performance Testing Load testing is the act of testing a system under load. In software engineering it generally refers to the practice of modeling the expected usage of a program by simulating multiple users accessing
the program's services concurrently. As such, this testing is most relevant for multi-user systems, often one built using a client/server model, such as web servers. However, other types of software systems can be load-tested also. For example, a word processor or graphics editor can be forced to read an extremely large document; or a financial package can be forced to generate a report based on several years' worth of data. When the load placed on the system is raised beyond normal usage patterns, in order to test the system's response at unusually high or peak loads, it is known as stress testing. The load is usually so great that error conditions are the expected result, although there is a gray area between the two domains and no clear boundary exists when an activity ceases to be a load test and becomes a stress test. There is little agreement on what the specific goals of load testing are. The term is often used synonymously with performance testing, reliability testing, and volume testing.
(less...) Network performance monitoring tools, performance measurements hardware and software, performance reporting software
Neigbour categories
Algorithms A prescribed finite set of well defined rules or processes for the solutions of a problem in a finite number of steps. Explained in simple English, it is the mathematical formula for an operation,
such as computing the check digits on packets of data that travel via packet switched networks.
(less...) Artificial Intelligence is a field of science that has several goals. The first, often called "weak" AI, is the effort to design and implement computer systems that can perform tasks requiring
intelligence when performed by humans. AI in computer games, knowledge based systems and such are typical examples of this branch. The second, less tangible branch, often called "strong" AI, is the research that ultimatly aims to build artificial systems that display real intelligence. It does this by trying to understand or model the nature of human intelligence. Both branches are multidisciplinary, in that they have close relations with the fields of computer science, philosophy, medicine, psychology, biology and linguistics.
(less...) This category is for artificial life information, simulations, discussions and related sub topics like art and games.
Bulletin Board Systems Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) have been around since the early 1980s in one form or another. Typically a 'gathering area' for people with similar interests, they have adapted, grown, and survived as
times changed. BBS systems, while not as popular as they once were, have begun seeing a new dawning in recent times. They usually have a large variety of Spam free topical message areas. Online Gaming. Most have new and daily updated shareware files. Most have moved to the Internet and offer web based interaction. No need to utilize the old ANSI login style. Although Ansi logins are still widely available. With over 15,000 traditional BBS's remaining in the United States alone they are a pleasant alternative to the normal web based browsing.
(less...) Computer Aided Design Computer software and (sometimes) hardware used to design things. A CAD system might be as simple as a computerized drafting tool or as complex as a parametric mechanical
constraint system, a routing and layout software for integrated electronic circuits, or an architectural program that knows about the physical and spatial properties of constructive elements in a building.
(less...) Sites offering active discussion spanning a wide variety of computer-related topics. Sites that are focused about 75% or more on a particular topic should be listed under that topic (or its
Chats_and_Forums subcat should one exist) instead of here.
(less...) This category provides a list of categories for navigational purposes to facilitate finding companies offering various computer services.
Computer Science Computer science is the scientific discipline which aims to develop and advance knowledge related to computers and computation.
Conferences Sites for formal and informal conferences, meetings, trade shows, and workshops, and associated events that are related to Computers.
Consultants A computer consultant is any person, presumably an expert, upon whom other people rely for information and advice about computer-related products and/or services. However, most self-styled computer
consultants simply provide general information and advice in conjunction with the portfolio of computer-related products and services which they sell. With the exception of those computer consultants who specialize in a particular type of hardware, software, or system, the easiest way to distinguish between computers consultants is by geographical location. Accordingly, most computer consultants will be found listed under an appropriate Computers: Consultants: Regional subcategory; if no geographical location or area of special expertise can be determined, computer consultants will be found listed under Computers: Consultants: General and Freelance. However, some computer consultants will be listed under the main category of Computers: Consultants because they have a special service that does not fit into one of the various subcategories. This is a judgment call made by the ODP editors who for some reason believe that these listings deserve to be highlighted in the main category. If you are submitting a URL to this directory, please keep in mind that all submissions must be reviewed by volunteer editors of the Open Directory Project (ODP). Thus, multiple submissions of the same site to inappropriate categories will not improve your chances for being listed in this directory and may result in your site being blacklisted from ODP. This may also happen if you submit your site to a number of directories which use ODP data, but forward new submissions to ODP. Please take a moment to review the ODP Editorial Guidelines, and carefully choose the ODP categories to which you submit your site.
(less...) The transfer of data between points. This includes all manual and machine operations necessary for this transfer. In short, the movement of
encoded information by means of transmission systems.
(less...) A set of specifications that defines the way different types of data should be stored in computer systems for use by applications or the end user. This category is mainly for technical
specifications of data formats. Although it tries to also be helpful and help you find relevant software for and examples of these data formats.
(less...) This category is specifically reserved for sites pertaining to the digital creation and production of visual communications on desktop computer systems. Desktop publishing is normally considered to be
a "closed-system" approach to producing printed or online publications, using a turn-key process that allows one to produce a graphic product, from concept to production, on a single computer system. In many cases, this form of graphic and textual content creation is achieved in a small scale environment, perhaps using computer components and peripherals that would fit on a single desktop, hence the name. (A simple system may consist of a desktop computer, laser printer, and scanner, for example.) The desktop publishing process may require several knowledge areas, including word processing, writing and editing, typography, page layout, design principles and elements, image editing, digital imaging, and printing. Related to the graphic design and visual communications disciplines, desktop publishing product examples include videos, websites, logos, letterhead, magazines, newsletters, flyers, brochures and more.
(less...) Sites with information about electronic books, including e-book guides, news reports on e-book business and technology, and pages about electronic book readers. Also includes gateways to the related
ODP categories for e-book titles, stores, and publishers. Electronic books are a communications medium, just like regular books, or CD-ROMS, are communications mediums. Types of electronic books include: electronic texts, or e-texts; and electronic reading devices.
(less...) All aspects of learning and teaching about and with computers including tutorials and teaching software.
Emulators Emulation is the process of simulating the hardware of one computer (particularly the processor) via software on a different one. In other words, it allows you to use software meant for another system
that you may not have access to by running a program on your system. For instance, an emulator will let you use an arcade machine that no longer exist or use a game console that can no longer be purchased. Note that this category is different from Games: Video Games: Emulation because the focus here is on the emulation of personal computer systems and Operating Systems running on these.
(less...) Sites in this category should be very general in nature. If your site focusses on a specific aspect of computers (e.g. a certain application or software package) then please suggested it to the
category for that specific aspect (or a suitable sub-category thereof) rather than here.
(less...) Hacking is about gaining more knowledge through the use of computers. This category contains links to sites about hacking, cracking, anarchy, credit card fraud and the like. It also lists
information about exploits and the hacker culture. It does not list links to sites that are offering passwords, or anything else which is illegal in the U.S.
(less...) This area is for anything related to computer hardware including technical support sites, product reviews, and home built/kit hardware and just about anything else you can
think of related to the physical world of computers.
(less...) The field of Home Automation is expanding rapidly as electronic technologies converge. The home network encompasses communications, entertainment, security, convenience and information systems.
This category holds sites of broad scope on the topic.
(less...) Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) covers a wide range of topics such as human characteristics, activities and behavior, the design of objects, relevant to the implementation of interactive computer
systems and aimed to optimization of the relationship between technology and human.
(less...) This is not a category in which to be included. If you have a site which has to do with the internet, please look below this category for the appropriate one. Submission Guidelines - The Open
Directory Project editors are committed to building the most useful Directory on the Internet. We want to help your promotion efforts by listing your site in a timely manner. We want your website to be found easily. By choosing the most appropriate category, you assist us in both these efforts. Sites which are incomplete, having Under Construction notices, or which contain broken graphics or links have a poor chance of being listed. Please wait to submit your web site until it is complete. Please double-check the URL, and, if possible, include an e-mail address so we may contact you if we have questions.
(less...) A private network that uses Internet software and Internet standards. In essence, an Intranet is a private Internet reserved for use by people who have been given the access necessary to use that
network. Businesses often use intranets to allow easy hierarchical access to company information. For Intranet software (such as ready-built HTTP servers) look in the Software subcategory. For Consultants and Business building Intranets, look in the 'Consultants and developers' subcategory.
(less...) Sites connected with actual mailing lists dealing with computers in general.
Mobile ComputingMultimedia This category is for very general sites covering the topic of multimedia. Multimedia is the combination of multiple forms of digital media such as text, images, sound, animation and video. It often
includes interactivity and can be delivered on CD, DVD, hard drive or through the Internet
(less...) This category is for information about Open Source -- the movement, the philosophy, the people, and of course, to some extent, the products. (Probably most of the actual software packages will be in
Computers/Software somewhere, but there should be cross links where appropriate.) Official definition of open source
(less...) General computer-related organizations.
Parallel Computing Parallel computing is the science and art of programming computers that can do more than one operation at once, concurrently, during the same cycle, often via having more than one processor. Some
parallel computers are just regular workstations that have more than one processor in them; others are giant single computers with many processors (these are generally referred to as supercomputers); and others are networks of individual computers. A network of computers configured to coordinate on computing problems is also called a cluster. Parallel computers can run some types of programs far faster than traditional single processor computers, often termed the von Neumann architecture. Programs that work on a single-processor computer don't automatically work on a parallel computer. Programmers must explicitly specify how to divide up the computing work between all available nodes. Information about writing programs especially for parallel computers is in Parallel_Computing/Programming. Many people have written libraries to help programmers write programs for parallel computers. Parallel computing is a very similar field to distributed computing. Both types of computing involve breaking apart a problem into many pieces and assigning each part to a computer, but the nodes of a distributed computer normally not communicate with each other while performing their computations, because they may be great distances apart. Sites related to distributed computing are in Computers/Computer_Science/Distributed_Computing. Information about supercomputers is located in Computers/Supercomputing.
(less...) Computer programming is the art of writing software, instructions for computers to follow. At the base level, as understood by the computer, these instructions are written in machine code, or binary,
pure numbers, quite difficult for humans to read and write. At a slightly higher level, these codes correspond to assembly language, short mnemonics for individual computer operations, that still correspond one to one with what the machine actually does. This is still unstructured, terse, and difficult to read or write in. Most programming is done in higher level, compiled languages, or even interpreted that look like a cross between English and Algebra, and allow various abstractions depending on the language, such as encapsulation, function calls, data hiding, and more, to enable people reading and writing programs to deal with the vast quantity of information that the computer actually handles. Respectively, a compiler program translates these languages to machine code to be executed directly, or a separate interpreter program itself takes these statements and executes them as an intermediary.
(less...) Robotics is a term coined by Isaac Asimov to describe the field of science involving robots and related technologies. So what is a robot? The word comes from a 1923 Czech play called R.U.R. and
described autonomous, humanoid robot servants. The original Czech word was robota, which means "servitude or forced labor". According to the Syrius Cybernetics Corporation of Douglas Adams' Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy, a robot is "your plastic pal who's fun to be with". A more conventional definition is, "A mechanical device that sometimes resembles a human and is capable of performing a variety of often complex human tasks". There are many other definitions, some a bit too narrow and some far too broad. We try to be as inclusive as possible, accepting sites about hobby robotics, industrial robotics, even those about the radio-controlled entertainment vehicles of "Robot Wars". Enjoy our selections. And if you don't agree with some of our choices, rest easy in the knowledge that someone else out there wouldn't agree with yours.
(less...) Concerns the protection of system resources and data from unauthorized use or access in stand alone or networked environments. Security measures are implemented through a combination of software,
hardware and physical restrictions. They can operate across different selections of content from individual files up to an entire networked enterprise. Tools used to secure systems environments include authentication systems, intrusion detection systems, firewalls, anti-virus software, biometrics, virtual private networks and cryptography.
(less...) In this category you'll find resources and links to categories related to the process of shopping
for computers. Also, unique gifts for computer users.
(less...) In order to handle the large number of sites that are added to the Software category every day, the editors of this category ask that you please choose an appropriate subcategory for your link. If
you do not feel that any of the existing categories are appropriate, please feel free to contact an editor. Please do not submit a link more than once. If your link does not appear in a few days, please be patient. A link does not usually belong in more than one category, or a few at most. Submissions to numerous inappropriate categories will be considered spam, and will cause the link to be deleted from the directory. Please note that the Software category receives many submissions that are more appropriate to other categories. If you or your organization develop Web sites as your primary service, you should submit your link to a subcategory of Computers/Internet/Commercial_Services Thank you, The ODP Computers/Software Team
(less...) This category tracks significant software/hardware advances, companies and sites in the area of speech processing, recognition and voice control for computers. Speech recognition provides the
ability for computers, cars, domestic utilities, etc to recognize what words a user is saying. For example a car may be able to recognize a driver saying “cd” to turn on the CD player, or “wipers” to turn on windscreen wipers. A word processor on a PC may be able to recognize what is said to and automatically type it into a document Voice recognition is usually just used as another term for Speech Recognition. However occasionally it is used to mean a computer/device recognizing someone’s unique voice rather than what they are actually saying. This category does not, therefore, take "speech recognition" to be synonymous with "voice recognition."
(less...) A supercomputer is, generally, a really big and fast computer. The standard of what exactly constitutes a supercomputer has evolved with the capabilities of the computing industry. Supercomputers
contain many processors and often take up entire rooms. They can do anything a normal computer can do, but usually much, much faster. This category contains information about supercomputers, including (but not limited to) companies that manufacture supercomputers, supercomputing facilities, news articles about supercomputers, and supercomputing conferences. Information about writing programs to run on supercomputers is in Computers/Parallel_Computing.
(less...) A collection of computer hardware and operating systems components designed to work together. Often referred to as a "platform". Examples of common Computer Systems include the Intel PC,
Macintosh, NeXT, Sun workstation, IBM AS/300, and HP 9000.
(less...) Usenet, or Netnews, is a world-wide distributed discussion system. Traditional access to newsgroups, or discussion fora, requires newsreader software and access to a newsserver. Many ISPs provide
access to a newsserver as part of their service package. This category provides general information about Usenet.
(less...) Virtual Reality (VR) and emersive virtual environments.
Fonts Fonts are sets of typographic characters, tipically used to write documents on word processors. Well known examples are the Arial or Times New Roman fonts bundled with the Windows operating systems.
There are various formats for storing font data; the most common is Adobe Truetype. Font files usually store either a bitmap image of each character of the alphabet in various sizes or a vectorial drawing of the the characters, which allows you to scale them to any size without losing resolution.
(less...) Operating systems (OSs) do many things: it is the block of software that runs in the memory of a computer which mediates between the hardware below and application(s) above; provides consistent access
to various hardware for user programs such as applications and utilities; multiplexes hardware resources between two or more processes, programs, users; provides some common services to all software via an application programming (or protocol) interface (API); allocates memory and storage; schedules tasks. On this page, OSs are arranged in three groups and levels: 1) Top group: issues spanning multiple unrelated OSs. 2) Middle group: types or classes of OS, or OSs for which there are more than one instance of an OS of this name/type, an OS family. 3) Bottom group: specific OSs, individual instances; there is only one OS of this name/type, with its own category, and non-trivial, useful running code (more than a boot loader), and/or a body of worthwhile readings. It cannot be merely a new project with no significant code.
(less...) Manufacturers and Developers: updates, service packs, on-line technical support.
(This section is quite beta and buggy, have patience. Thanks)
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