How to increase maximum user cpu usage allowed on a multi core system?

[stan]

On Mon, 9 Mar 2015 17:30:57 -0300
Martin Cigorraga <martincigorraga at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hello Stan,
> Just a minor clarification: when compiling, the -j flag should point
> to a unit above your available cores in order to fully utilize all of
> them.
> 
> I'm sure you already know this, but nevertheless beware when doing
> intensive compilation and using all your cores as you might end with a
> non-responding system until the compilation is done.

Thanks.  Yes, I have read that, but haven't had any chance to
experience it yet because of this issue.  :-)  In fact, I've read that
it is good to ask for 50% more processes than the number of cores.