mysql processes on a dual CPU server

[Anon]

we are running a dual CPU Red Hat 6.2 server, and when I do a ps -afx I get something like this (I've removed most
of the other stuff so it's clear here):

sh /usr/local/bin/safe_mysqld
_ /usr/local/libexec/mysqld

_ /usr/local/libexec/mysqld
_ /usr/local/libexec/mysqld
_ /usr/local/libexec/mysqld
_ /usr/local/libexec/mysqld
_ /usr/local/libexec/mysqld

So, I see that there are 6 child processes running off the parent. How long will these child processes last? As I understand, after a certain point they will drop off, but is there a parameter I set when I start mysqld to specify this?

[[deleted]]

You may find this helpfull (or not)

http://www.mysql.com/doc/S/H/SHOW_VARIABLES.html

remember that every mysqld that stops means that when the load gets higher, a new mysqld will have to be started...