Technical data

Setting Up and Maintaining Queues
14.6 Using Queue Options
• The OpenVMS Performance Management
By default, a process running a batch job uses values taken from the UAF record
of the user submitting the job or from system parameter settings. If you specify
values for any of these options, processes for jobs executed in the queue will use
the values you set unless the user specifies values when the job is submitted. (A
user can specify values for CPU time and for the working set options default,
quota, and extent.)
A user-specified value cannot exceed the value you set for the queue. If you did
not specify a value, the user-specified value cannot exceed the value specified in
the associated UAF limit or system parameter.
The following sections provide guidelines for choosing values for these options:
Option For More Information
Base process priority Section 14.6.4.1
Job limit Section 14.6.4.2
Working set default, quota, and extent Section 14.6.4.3
CPU default and maximum Section 14.6.4.4
Swapping Section 14.6.4.5
Options for memory-constrained systems Section 14.6.4.6
Optimizing for the Sort/Merge utility Section 14.6.4.7
14.6.4.1 Base Process Priority
Choose a value based on how quickly you will allow batch jobs to progress. If you
choose a value equal to the system parameter value DEFPRI (typically 4), jobs in
this queue will progress at the same rate as typical interactive jobs. This choice
might be appropriate for systems that have an abundance of available CPU time.
If you choose a value less than DEFPRI, jobs in this queue will potentially
progress more slowly than the typical interactive job. CPU time will be allocated
to jobs in this queue only after servicing jobs of DEFPRI priority.
If a queue is defined for a very special purpose—for example, high-priority jobs—a
value greater than DEFPRI (for example, 5) might be appropriate. However, this
choice can have a significant negative effect on the performance of other users
and batch jobs.
14.6.4.2 Job Limit
Keep this value low when using a base process priority of DEFPRI or greater,
because each batch job can affect the performance of interactive jobs.
14.6.4.3 Working Set Default, Quota, and Extent
If you do not specify values for these options, a job uses the value specified in its
owner’s user authorization file (UAF) record.
Process Limit Description
Working set default The value to which the working set returns at the exit of each
image. The value should be relatively small and is usually best
left at the value specified in the user’s UAF record.
Setting Up and Maintaining Queues 14–33