Tweaking Linux

This article was created for Linux users to share tips and tricks with each other.

General tweaks

Use tcmalloc/jemalloc instead of Glibc malloc

Glibc's malloc is not as performant or scalable as tcmalloc, or even jemalloc. You can expect some small to massive performance gains¹ by forcing software to use your memory allocator of choice, depending on your workload.

To do this, use your preferred editor to create:

/etc/ld.so.preload

/usr/lib/lib*

... where * is either jemalloc, or tcmalloc.

Xorg server

Disable mouse acceleration in X

In order to disable mouse acceleration use your text editor of choice to create:

 /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/50-mouse-acceleration.conf

---

 Section "InputClass"
         Identifier "My Mouse"
         Option "AccelerationNumerator" "1"
         Option "AccelerationDenominator" "1"
         Option "AccelerationThreshold" "0"
 EndSection

Your config file will take effect the next time you start X.