What This Document Is
This resource is a focused guide within the Computer Systems Analysis (CSE 567M) course at Washington University in St. Louis. It delves into the critical area of performance evaluation, specifically addressing frequent pitfalls encountered when analyzing complex systems. The material is designed to help students develop a rigorous and systematic approach to assessing system performance, moving beyond simply observing results to understanding *why* those results occur. It’s geared towards those seeking to build a strong foundation in the methodologies of computer systems analysis.
Why This Document Matters
This guide is invaluable for students and professionals involved in designing, implementing, and evaluating computer systems. Anyone tasked with performance testing, capacity planning, or identifying bottlenecks will find this resource beneficial. It’s particularly useful when you need to ensure the validity and reliability of your analysis, avoid drawing incorrect conclusions, and present findings in a clear and defensible manner. Understanding these common errors can save significant time and resources by preventing flawed evaluations and guiding more effective system improvements.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This resource focuses on identifying and avoiding errors in the *process* of performance evaluation. It does not provide pre-built solutions or specific performance benchmarks for particular systems. It also doesn’t offer detailed instruction on specific performance testing tools or programming techniques. The material assumes a foundational understanding of computer systems concepts and statistical analysis. It’s a guide to *thinking* critically about evaluation, not a step-by-step manual for execution.
What This Document Provides
* A comprehensive overview of frequently made mistakes in system performance evaluation.
* A structured checklist to proactively identify and mitigate potential errors in your analysis.
* A systematic framework for approaching performance evaluation projects, from goal setting to result presentation.
* A detailed case study illustrating the application of these principles to a real-world scenario involving remote procedure calls and data transmission.
* Identification of key parameters and factors influencing system performance.
* Guidance on selecting appropriate metrics and evaluation techniques.
