copy and tar performance?

[Kevin Kempter]

Hi List;

Whenever I copy large files (>2G) or create large tar archives I basically 
loose control of my box (2.1Gz Laptop running FC5) until the copy or tar is 
complete. I can still try and work but the mouse movements are delayed 
several seconds, other programs take minutes to respond, etc.

Is there a way I can overcome this so I can still work as normal during these 
operations, maybe a way to limit the amount of cpu or system resources that a 
cp or tar process can have? Other ideas?

Thanks in advance