I checked the java and emagent processes on my 10g environment (10.2.0.2 on AIX5.3) and they have the standard nice value of 20: /opt/oracle ->ps -o"%n %c" -p 5320788 NI COMMAND 20 emagent ________________________________ From: Joel.Patterson@xxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:Joel.Patterson@xxxxxxxxxxx] I believe it is nice. In other words if the computer needs the CPU, then EM allows it to be taken from the 30%. Privileged/Confidential Information may be contained in this message or attachments hereto. Please advise immediately if you or your employer do not consent to Internet email for messages of this kind. Opinions, conclusions and other information in this message that do not relate to the official business of this company shall be understood as neither given nor endorsed by it. -- //www.freelists.org/webpage/oracle-l