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     CSC/ECE 579 Introduction to Computer Performance Modeling
 

Workload characterization, collection and analysis of performance data, instrumentation, tuning, analytic models including queuing network models and operational analysis, economic considerations. 3 credit hours

  
     

Prerequisite
  

Undergraduate course in probability theory and computer programming or consent of instructor.

 
Course Objectives  

At the end of the course the student should be able to create event-based simulation models, and solve mathematically single-server queues and if time permits networks of queues.

 
Course Requirements  

A good background in probability theory is required. Also, the student should have good programming skills.

There will be two exams, simulation projects, and a lot of homework (queueing theory problems)


Textbook  

For the simulation part of the course we will use my e-book on simulation techniques that can be downloaded free of charge from my web site.

For the queueing theory part I will use the textbook by William Stewart, “Probability, Markov Chains, Queues, and Simulation”, 2009, Princeton University Press, ISBN: 978-0-691-14062-9. 

 
Computer and Internet Requirements  

NCSU has recommended minimum specifications for computers that are generally used for courses. Those specifications can be found here: http://www.ncsu.edu/it/compspecs/

Engineering Online recommends that your computer meets or exceeds the following minimum specifications below. A computer with greater capability (processor speed, RAM, internet bandwidth, disk capacity) will be more likely to properly display the video content of Engineering Online courses.

Windows:

  • Microsoft Windows XP, Windows 2003, or Windows Vista
  • Intel-compatible 1 GHz processor
  • 512 MB RAM
  • 60 GB hard drive with 1 GB free space available
  • Video display at 1024 x 768 or greater
  • Sound output and speakers
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 SP1 or later, Firefox 2.0 or later, or Google Chrome 1.0
  • Windows Media Player 9.0 or later
  • Real One Player Basic (required for certain courses)
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • Broadband Internet connection (256 Kbps or more)

Mac OS X:

  • Mac OS X 10.4.8 or later
  • G4 processor
  • 512 MB RAM
  • 60 GB hard drive with 1 GB free space available
  • Video display at 1024 x 768 or greater
  • Sound output and speakers
  • Safari 2.0.4 (or later) or Firefox 2.0 (or later)
  • Silverlight  (viewers may be prompted to install this when first viewing a presentation)
  • Real One Player Basic (required for certain courses)
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • Broadband Internet connection (256 Kbps or more)
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Linux:

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  • Microsoft Media Pack for Moonlight
  • Adobe Reader for Unix
  • Broadband Internet connection (256 Kbps or more)

 
Instructor  

Dr. Harry G. Perros, Professor
Dept. of Computer Science
Engineering Bldg II (COE II) 2-299, Box 8206
NCSU Campus
Raleigh, NC 27695

Phone: (919) 515-2041
Fax: (919) 515-7896
E-Mail: hp@csc.ncsu.edu
URL: http://www.csc.ncsu.edu/faculty/perros//index.html