The performance of the Windows NT Server operating system is the concern of this tutorial. Practical methods for tuning and capacity sizing are presented, the relevant architectural features are exhibited, and applications of the methods are discussed.

The first chapter introduces the subject and discusses basic topics, such as gathering statistics, logging, performance monitors, performance metrics, and bottlenecks. Rules of thumb for the tuning of memory and disk resources, redundant arrays of inexpensive disks (RAID), network subsystems, and CPU resources are given, along with rules for capacity sizing. These rules are immediately useful.

The next two chapters develop the methodology more thoroughly. Key points are measurement, testing, benchmarks, the performance monitor Perfmon, sizing, configuration, trend analysis, future requirements, future architecture, and extrapolation from the history of the system into the future. Industry-standard benchmarks are discussed to some extent.

Four chapters are dedicated to understanding CPU, memory, disk subsystems, and network performance. Architectures are reviewed, including I/O busses and RAID, and the author discusses operation, paging, caching, and priorities. Detecting and removing bottlenecks, tuning, and sizing are discussed thoroughly.

In chapter 8, the methodology is applied. Three case studies consider sizing and tuning the Microsoft Electronic Mail Server, a file server, and the Microsoft Internet Information Server.

The book is well written, easy to understand, and pleasant to read. Many helpful World Wide Web addresses are provided, including pointers to tools. Only a few books are cited within the text, and no list of references is given. An accompanying CD includes some performance monitoring tools.

The book is intended for system architects, administrators, engineers, developers, and others who are interested in Windows NT Server performance. The reader should be generally familiar with NT Server planning, design, and administration. The material is useful for the solution of performance problems that may occur in Windows NT Server installations.