Allocating computer resources for efficient use by a program

The present invention, in various embodiments, provides techniques for allocating resources for efficient use by a program. In one embodiment, a method implementing the techniques comprises the steps of identifying an I/O device connected to a storage device storing data associated with the program, and allocating memory arrays and a processor both of which having a shortest distance to the I/O device. In one embodiment, the resources reside in a plurality of nodes each of which includes one or a combination one or more of an I/O device, memory arrays, and a processor. Further, the resources are grouped in a node if they are on the same system bus or if they are connected to a chip providing point-to-point links to resources. In one embodiment, the relative distance between the resources is stored in a table embedded in firmware portable from one operating system to another operating system. As a result, the table, or the system using the table, may be referred to as platform neutral, system neutral, or operating system neutral.