Computer Guys - Explain 'threads' to me!
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Corpus Christi, TX
Computer Guys - Explain 'threads' to me!
What the heck are 'threads' and how do they relate to my processor?
I've searched the net and either gotten into computer technobabble, or info that just skims the surface.
Got any good explanations for the regular joe?
I've searched the net and either gotten into computer technobabble, or info that just skims the surface.
Got any good explanations for the regular joe?
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 547
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From: Northwest Indiana
Here's a basic explination. If that dosen't help you may have to learn a little more about how a computer works in general.
http://www.geocities.com/SiliconVall.../dthreads.html
http://www.geocities.com/SiliconVall.../dthreads.html
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 866
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From: North Carolina
Instead of your processor taking time to process a call one at a time threads run simultaneously together allowing for faster program speed and less overhead.
Why do you want to know this? Are you a programmer? The average Joe doesn’t need to worry about this kind of stuff unless they are really interested.
Why do you want to know this? Are you a programmer? The average Joe doesn’t need to worry about this kind of stuff unless they are really interested.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Corpus Christi, TX
Ahh, I get it now, thanks.
I dabbled in C++ back in high school, nothing too complex though. The reason I was interested in what threads are is because I downloaded a neat-o little program that displays all sorts of useless info about my computer; half of which I don't understand, and the other half I really didn't need to know in the first place! So when someone asks me, "How many threads you running?" I can answer with confidence, "420, and I know what a thread is, thanks to the guys on FTE!"
I dabbled in C++ back in high school, nothing too complex though. The reason I was interested in what threads are is because I downloaded a neat-o little program that displays all sorts of useless info about my computer; half of which I don't understand, and the other half I really didn't need to know in the first place! So when someone asks me, "How many threads you running?" I can answer with confidence, "420, and I know what a thread is, thanks to the guys on FTE!"
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 29,941
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From: Drummonds, TN USA
For my purposes - an original post on a message board generates a "thread" - which is the string of responses that follow that original post. All of the responces to it are linked sequentially to the original point that was made, or question that was asked.
This is the basic on a message board thread - it is the "Thought Line" following from the original question or idea.
FWIW
~Wolf
This is the basic on a message board thread - it is the "Thought Line" following from the original question or idea.
FWIW
~Wolf
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Fleet Mechanic
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From: Corpus Christi, TX
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: North Carolina
Thanks Munkey. I have never heard of that one before. I will make sure I try it out though.
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
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Senior User
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From: Goldsboro, NC
Nothing wrong with the explanation of threads except a single CPU cannot work on multiple threads simultaneously. A CPU can only perform work on a single thread at a time. The CPU will perform a little work on one thread, then pause that thread, and move on to the next thread, and so on making it's rounds. It may appear it's working on multiple things at once, but it's not really. It's just jumping around performing a little here a little there, but it does have an algorithm to tell it what to work.
Elder User
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From: Cool, CA
Any Intel processor with HT (Hyperthreading Technology) actually works on 2 threads at once. The newest Intel CPUs just shipping with Dual Core technology are 2 HT CPUs in one chip, so they will work on 4 threads at once. And by the way, think of a thread as a single program instruction. Threads are part of processes. Having your browser open is a single process with many threads.
Last edited by MRKnight; Apr 18, 2005 at 11:10 AM.
Elder User
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From: Near the trees
Originally Posted by MRKnight
Any Intel processor with HT (Hyperthreading Technology) actually works on 2 threads at once. The newest Intel CPUs just shipping with Dual Core technology are 2 HT CPUs in one chip, so they will work on 4 threads at once. And by the way, think of a thread as a single program instruction. Threads are part of processes. Having your browser open is a single process with many threads.
Elder User
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From: Near the trees
Originally Posted by MRKnight
Did I confuse threads with fibers? LCampbell - I did not know that that was how it worked. I'm curious to know more of the technical specs, do you know any good sources?