Current AIX Performance Problems

We have been experiencing serious performance problems on the AIX system
since the beginning of the Fall Quarter.  These problems are
attributable not to the addition of new accounts but instead to
overextension of the systems for sharing information and files among
machines (specifically, NIS and NFS).

Symptoms have included

o       files shared from another machine appearing and disappearing
o       bus errors while using programs accessed via another machine
        (e.g., pine, elm, pico)
o       occasional failure of mail delivery

Information Systems is evaluating options to reduce these problems.
Some of these changes, while improving overall performance, will impact
access or otherwise affect users.  Whenever possible, changes will be
performed in a way that minimizes that impact, with advance notice to
users.

Some of the proposed changes might entail

o       eliminating logins on Zeus (already done)
o       eliminating logins on Oboe (in progress)
o       restricting logins to users' own homesites (in progress)
o       removing Zeus as a member of the cluster (in progress)
o       consolidating user file systems
o       moving mail and NIS to a system dedicated to those services

If the need arises to implement these or other options, users will be
given advanced notice via system news and Netnews, along with
information on how to reduce any inconveniences that might result.