dual cpu (top)

[Doug Sampson]

As some of you know, I recompiled for SMP on my Debian machine. When running
top, I now can see information for two separate cpus.

However, when I tar a 188 MB database, which takes about 12 minutes on a
dual 350 MHz processor machine, I see that the individual cpus don't reach
peak capacity. What I'm seeing is that each cpu would generally run around
45 to 55% utilization and when I toggle the view to summary cpu view, it is
generally the same- 45 to 55%. When looking at the tar process, it shows cpu
utilization of roughly 80 to 95%.

Question is- is the machine utilizing its fullest cpu capacity? If not, what
can I do to utilize all cpu cycles? Or is the application that is not
designed to utilize more than one cpu?

~Doug