Obrut
Version 1.01	24 KB
1 Feb 05	98SE / ME / NT / 2K / XP
	Freeware

Obrut
Version 1.01
25 Jan 06

Written by Andrew Josef Glina for ACAPsoft using MASM32 assembly language.

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Program Info

We used to test our programs on an old P133 to ensure that they ran on older machines without trouble. However, this was not always a satisfactory solution as it still didn't test all high load situations. Furthermore, some of our programs (like JukeBx) would not run with all functions enabled due to the limited memory available. Thus we created Obrut to create high memory and/or processor loads and thus simulate a slow or overloaded computer. Obrut can simulate varying levels of single or dual CPU usage intensity at three levels of regularity, and both virtual and physical memory loads.

While Obrut is primarily designed to be a programmers tool, it can also be used to slow down old games that assume a certain CPU speed or to test how a computer handles under heavy load.

Tested on

Win98SE
WinME
WinNT4
Win2000
WinXP

Installation

Run "Setup.exe" and follow the instructions. To remove Obrut, use the "Add/Remove Programs" option in the Control Panel. Obrut stores all its data files in the designated application data area, often "C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Application Data\Sinner\Obrut". If you would prefer that it saves in the same directory as Obrut either run the program from a removable drive, such as a floppy of a USB drive, or delete the "DefSet.txt" file from the Obrut directory.

Use

There are two ways that Obrut can bloat memory usage. The first function called "VMem" simply allocates the amount of entered virtual memory when you press the "Take" button, and releases it when you press "Stop". If Windows refused to allocate the virtual memory that you request then Obrut will half the amount until it is acceptable. When it is allocated the value requested is changed to what was received. "PMem" is much the same except it also uses the memory so Windows must actually give Obrut some physical memory as well the virtual memory. Obrut will not always be allocated all of the physical memory that you request, it depends on how much memory you have available and how fast your computer is. Both functions can be used at once, but in most cases the "PMem" function is more useful. Under each memory function is a display of the available and total Virtual/Physical memory. This display is updated every five seconds.

When bloating CPU usage there are two options, one that controls the load intensity and another that sets how much break there will be between each burst. The load intensity is not scaled to the CPU and simply indicates how many times the CPU bloat routine runs. The load time constant can be set to "Some", "More" or "Most" which give load breaks of approximately 900, 500 and 50 milliseconds respectively. These load breaks give a more realistic load as most high CPU usage programs will have occasional breaks to, for example, read more data from the hard drive. There are individual controls for two separate loads, with each running in a separate thread. Depending on the current system load and the load intensity, the loads will often be allocated to different CPUs in a multi-CPU or dual core system. Similar results should also be seen in a "HyperThreaded" CPU. The load itself simply involves moving memory around in a 500KB area, thus this function may not be effective on newer processors with 1-2 MB of cache. If this is the case then try using both CPU bloat threads as this will double the memory used.

Programmers Notes

I was holding off releasing this program as it does not have much features. However, I recently decided to instead release it as Freeware, and possibly make it Shareware after I add more feature. (This will probably never happen...)

Incidentally, "Obrut" is "Turbo" backwards.

History

Licence and Registration

This program is released as Freeware. If you find Obrut useful and wish to show appreciation then either simply tell us or consider registering another program. There is no requirement to do either. Permission is given for all forms of distribution, including CD compilations and Websites, providing the ZIP file is unaltered and it is made clear that Obrut is a Freeware program and that any costs are for the distribution, not the program itself. Full terms are on the FAQ page on our website.

Liability

ACAPsoft accepts no liability for this software to the maximum extent allowable by law. Installing this software is the decision of the installer, and signifies that you agree with this liability statement. Thus, any unintentional damage/loss caused by the use of this software is not in any way ACAPsoft's responsibility, even if it is ACAPsoft's fault. This includes, but is not limited to, physical damage, or loss of income/time. If at any time you do not find these conditions agreeable you are required to remove this software.

Contact

Advice/insults (on the subject of the program, not the programmer) are always welcome. To help users keep up to date we send out newsletters whenever there is a new version of Obrut. To join this list simply send an EMail with "ObrutADD" in the subject. To be removed from this list, write an EMail with "ObrutREMOVE" in the subject. (ACAPsoft does not give out or sell your EMail address or any other personal information to anyone.)