$author = "Jeff Waugh" ; > > KernelTrap is running an interesting interview with Australian hacker > (though it sounds like he wouldn't admit to having that title), Con Kolivas.
http://www.kerneltrap.org/node.php?id=465 > One comment that intruiged me: > > "Magic numbers should be autoregulated by the kernel. They should be > variable and work from some sort of feedback loop. My experience with > human physiology has shown me that there are an almost infinite number of > autoregulated feedback loop type control systems in the human body that > give it incredible flexibility to cope under all sorts of situations. I > believe, and hope, that this approach could add to the flexibility of the > linux kernel." he's right. everything in the body is controlled by feedback loops, some so complex that it needs a 3D model to properly illustrate the various interactions. we are still discovering new ones every day and most drugs work by enhancing or blocking a particular loop. a kernel that could dynamically adapt to system loads would take a lot of the guesswork out of tweaking magic numbers. it would be great for an install to work optimally out of the box rather then needing to tweak the kernel depending on use (do we preference CPU [cluster] or disk IO [file server] or bus IO [router] etc.etc.) or just accepting a compromise middle ground. i was wondering what he meant by "My experience with human physiology..." given that he was doing kernel work but he's a Dr (anaesthetist) and just messes with the kernel for fun. he picked up what he knows about C by merging patches into his own kernel tree and ended up writing a program to test kernels. everyone should have a read of this interview, it's such a great profile of the kind of person who gets so involved with linux when it's just a hobby... marty -- And true love waits In haunted attics And true love wins On lollipops and crisps "True Love Waits" - Radiohead -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group - http://slug.org.au/ More Info: http://lists.slug.org.au/listinfo/slug
