A method and system for regulating tasks of background processes so as to
reduce interference with foreground processes. The progress rate of a
background task (e.g., amount of work performed per unit time) is
measured and evaluated against a target amount. If the progress rate
appears degraded, the background task is suspended for a computed time
interval so as to back off from its interference with a foreground
process. Each time the progress rate appears degraded, the time interval
is exponentially increased from its previous value up to a maximum,
however if the performance appears normal, the time interval is reset to
a minimum. Evaluation of the work is statistically based so as to
eliminate variations in measurements, and automatic calibration of the
target amount is provided, as is a mechanism for prioritizing multiple
background tasks.
