Location; and
custodian.
Normally, a complete inventory is conducted
annually, with spot inventories conducted periodically
throughout the year. All of this will be controlled by
your local SOP.
PERFORMANCE-TUNING
INITIATIVES
The reports we have covered are good sources for
determining what performance-tuning techniques to
implement. Now let’s look at some performance-
tuning choices available, both hardware and software.
Be sure they are authorized by your command before
implementing them.
HARDWARE
Three possible hardware choices are as follows:
l
l
l
Increase computer memory;
Reduce file fragmentation; and
Add or change a disk drive.
Increase Computer Memory
To increase a computer system’s memory, we can
add memory chips or memory boards. This will allow
us to run larger, more complex programs on the system.
We can also create cache memory, which is used with
the central processor to improve execution speed and
enhance central processor performance. This is
accomplished by reducing the access time required to
repeatedly fetch frequently used information stored in
main memory. For average program mixes, cache
memory yields a 50-percent increase in processing
speeds. The cache memory is a random-access memory
(RAM) buffer that provides high-speed storage
capabilities from main memory and makes this data
available to the central processor with a private central
processor/cache interface.
Reduce File Fragmentation
File fragmentation occurs when you delete a file,
leaving, basically, a hole in the information on the hard
disk, or when you add information to an existing file
when there is no contiguous space left next to the file.
To correct fragmentation, you can make a backup,
reformat the hard disk, and restore your files. You can
also run a software program referred to as a
defragmenter to reorganize the files so the data in each
file is contiguous.
Add or Change a Disk Drive
By adding a new disk drive or replacing a disk drive
with a larger drive, you will reduce the problems you
may have with disk space. Remember, if you add or
change a disk drive, you must modify the system setup
so the system will recognize the new drive.
SOFTWARE
Let’s look at some operating system changes
available. Remember, anytime you are preparing to
make changes to your operating system, you must
consult the system operator manual first. It will show
you what can and cannot be changed on your particular
system. The operating system changes you can make
are as follows:
. Reconfigure the system;
l Change buffer sizes;
l Change memory addresses.
Reconfigure the System
When we reconfigure the system, we can move the
device drivers into extended memory. We can move
disk files from a smaller capacity disk drive to a larger
capacity drive; this will also help with fragmentation.
Change Buffer Sizes
By changing buffer sizes, we increase the
input/output activity of the system, resulting in the job
finishing faster. This will also help reduce the chances
that the system will lock up.
Change Memory Addresses
By changing memory addresses, you can tailor
extended and expanded memory to the system’s needs.
This results in freeing memory for the execution of
production jobs.
TROUBLE REPORTS AND
TECHNICAL ASSISTS
You will be responsible for submitting trouble
reports on software and hardware problems.
Remember to follow the instruction from the command
receiving the trouble report. In most cases, this will be
the Navy Maintenance and Supply Systems Office
(NAVMASSO). As shown in figure 1-8, the trouble
report contains a lot of information. Items 13, 14, and
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