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Oracle Performance Tuning and Optimization
(Publisher: Macmillan Computer Publishing)
Author(s): Edward Whalen
ISBN: 067230886x
Publication Date: 04/01/96

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16-bit Applications

Although 16-bit applications will run on Windows NT, they lack the efficiency and robustness of 32-bit native applications. If possible, migrate your applications to 32-bit NT applications rather than using 16-bit Windows or DOS applications. Newer 32-bit applications are portable between Windows NT and Windows 95.

I/O Performance

I/O performance is not usually an issue for the client machine. The typical application is loaded into memory and does not use the I/O subsystem unless swapping is occurring. If your machine is swapping, performance is severely degraded and faster I/O will not significantly help.

Review of Windows NT

Microsoft Windows NT is a high-performance, robust workstation OS that is fast becoming a corporate standard. Windows NT does not require significant tuning to perform well. The best thing you can do to help improve client performance (besides tuning your application) is to reduce unnecessary memory usage to make more memory available for the application.

Microsoft Windows 3.1 and Windows for Workgroups 3.11

Microsoft Windows 3.1 and Windows for Workgroups 3.11 have been in production for quite some time. Microsoft Windows is currently the most popular graphical operating environment. Although Microsoft Windows is a very good operating system for home use, I recommend that you use Windows for Workgroups if you are running in a networked environment. Windows for Workgroups provides better networking than Microsoft Windows. Windows for Workgroups also provides better 32-bit support than Microsoft Windows 3.1.

Memory

As with Windows NT, the major concern with the Windows or Windows for Workgroups client is the lack of memory. Because Windows and Windows for Workgroups are both virtual-memory systems, it is possible to run much larger applications than will fit in memory. Although this is possible, it causes swapping, which degrades performance.

Unlike Windows NT and Windows 95, the Windows and Windows for Workgroups operating systems do not come with a performance monitoring tool that shows you when you have run out of memory. One way you can determine your memory usage under Windows 3.1 or Windows for Workgroups is to invoke a DOS shell and run the MEM command. The MEM command shows how much of your memory is currently in use.

Network

Another way to reduce excess memory usage is to reduce the number of network protocols currently loaded. Only load those protocols you plan to use. By reducing the number of excess protocols, you reduce the need for memory and CPU usage.

Review of Windows and Windows for Workgroups

When you use Microsoft Window 3.1 or Windows for Workgroups as your client operating system, the best opportunity for performance enhancement is to ensure that you have sufficient resources by reducing unnecessary overhead. By reducing this overhead, you eliminate unnecessary use of memory so that you can use that memory for your application. If at all possible, avoid swapping; swapping severely degrades performance.

Microsoft Windows 95

The recently introduced Microsoft Windows 95 greatly improves the Windows operating system. Windows 95 includes integrated 32-bit support, built-in networking, and other optimizations. If you currently run on Windows 3.1 or Windows for Workgroups, seriously think about upgrading to Windows 95 or Windows NT.

Windows 95 is robust and performs well but, like Windows NT, has an appetite for memory. Unless you have 12M or 16M of RAM, do not consider Windows 95. If you have the resources, there are many great features of Windows 95 that can help you optimize your system as an Oracle client:

  Built-in networking. The networking subsystem is built in as part of Windows 95 and has a very good Setup tool. The built-in networking can aid in the optimization of your network subsystem.
  Integrated 32-bit support. It is no longer necessary to add the Win32s add-on required under Windows. Integrated 32-bit support provides better 32-bit performance.
  System analysis tools. The Windows 95 control panel has an analysis tool that can determine whether your system is running optimally. (At least, it will tell you whether you are running any 16-bit drivers.)
  System monitoring tools. Unlike Windows 3.1 and Windows for Workgroups, Windows 95 comes with a system monitor, which display such things as CPU, memory, and I/O usage information.

The system monitor and integrated network subsystem features can substantially improve your optimization efforts. However, you must have enough system memory to run Windows 95.

32-Bit Support

Windows 95 is a 32-bit operating system that can run 16-bit applications. Even though it is possible to run 16-bit applications, doing so is not recommended. To take full advantage of Windows 95, you should run only 32-bit applications. Oracle provides 32-bit support for Windows 95 that has been optimized for the operating environment. By taking advantage of the 32-bit support feature, you can improve performance.

Memory

With Windows 95 as with every OS, you must reduce unnecessary memory usage so that you can allocate as many resources as possible to the application. By reducing or removing any nonessential overhead from the system, you can increase the amount of memory available for the application. You must ensure that you have sufficient memory to run your applications effectively.

Network

By removing any unnecessary network clients, protocols, and services from the system, you reduce overhead. Running unnecessary network functions can increase CPU and memory overhead. With the Windows 95 network configuration utility, you can easily reduce these functions to the minimum required for your system.

Oracle Support

Oracle has recently provided native support for Windows 95. Use the Windows 95 version of SQL*Net to improve your application’s performance. With native support for Windows 95, Oracle can take advantage of OS features and 32-bit support to optimize the product.

Review of Windows 95

I have been using Windows 95 for a while and am pleased with its performance and stability. Windows 95 can be a good-performing, robust client platform—if you have the resources. It is important that you have enough memory and CPU power to run an OS like Windows 95.


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