Description: The overhead rate refers to the ratio of overhead costs to total costs in a computing environment. This concept is crucial for understanding the efficiency of computational systems, as overhead can include various factors such as processing time, memory usage, and network resources. In simple terms, a high overhead rate indicates that a significant proportion of resources is allocated to non-productive tasks, which can affect the overall performance of the system. Conversely, a low overhead rate suggests that most resources are effectively utilized for productive tasks. The overhead rate is a key indicator in evaluating algorithms, operating systems, and network architectures, as it allows engineers and developers to identify bottlenecks and optimize resource usage. In the context of computing systems, the overhead rate can influence the efficiency of various processes, where resources must be managed effectively to ensure optimal performance. Therefore, understanding and managing the overhead rate is essential for maximizing performance and efficiency in computing environments.