ABS.TXT -- ABSTRACT AS REQUIRED BY DECUS   
V1.00
9-DEC-90


DISK BENCHMARK PROGRAMS AND DATA

Many computer users are interested in the actual data
transfer rates achieved when real controllers and disks
operate with a real operating system, doing real data
transfers, as compared with the data transfer rates claimed
in manufacturers' literature.

13 test programs were written to exercise the various
operational parameters of a disk, while doing the type of
transfers that might be observed in real-world applications.
These test programs were run on a wide variety of disks by
many DEC end-user sites and a few manufacturers.

The test programs were run on disks ranging from RX01
through the more common cartridge disks, on to some
relatively large and exotic Winchester and memory disks, and
even on an Ethernet virtual disk. 

The results are presented in tabular form so that direct
comparison is possible. The results of this project are very
interesting to those interested in real-world disk
performance. 

SEE PAPER PRESENTED AT FALL 1984, 1987, 1988 AND 1990 DECUS;
"REAL WORD DISK COMPARISONS" FOR RESULTS ON MANY DISKS!

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