A Simulator of Multiple Interactive Users to Drive a Time-Shared Computer System

摘要

Constructing and maintaining a time-shared computer system requires a controlled, repeatable environment for making performance measurements. This thesis describes the use of a small second computer to simulate the actions of multiple interactive users over individual communication lines. Each simulated user exhibits responses similar to those of a 'normal' interactive user; these are recognized and verified by the 'simulator.' The simulator also emulates a 'think time' corresponding to a normal user's think time between typing lines on the console. Text corresponding to a user's console input, as well as control information regarding think time simulation and verification of responses from the system being tested, are retrieved from prepared scripts which have been pre-stored on the small computer's magnetic disc unit. Although the programming package is capable of simulating up to 12 users, only four are simulated here. The simulator system is intended to be used to test the M.I.T. CTSS and Multics time-shared computer systems. However, it is designed to be adaptable for testing most time-shared computer systems having serial character oriented input/output over communications lines interfacing with 103A compatible data sets. (Author)