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Is there a method of slowing down the copy process on Linux?

I have a big file, say 10GB, and I'd like to copy it to another directory, but I don't want to copy it with full speed. Let's say I'd like to copy it with the speed of 1mb/s, not faster. I'd like to use a standard Linux cp command.

Is this possible? (If yes, how?)

Edit: so, I'll add more context to what I'm trying to achieve.

I have a problem on the ArchLinux system when copying large files over USB (to a pendrive, usb disk, etc). After filling up the usb buffer cache, my system stops responding (even the mouse stops; it moves only sporadically). The copy operation is still ongoing, but it takes 100% resources of the box. When the copy operation finishes, everything goes back to normal -- everything is perfectly responsive again.

Maybe it's a hardware error, I don't know, but I do know I have two machines with this problem (both are on ArchLinux, one is a desktop box, second is a laptop).

Easiest and fastest "solution" to this (I agree it's not the 'real' solution, just an ugly 'hack') would be to prevent this buffer from filling up by copying the file with an average write speed of the USB drive, for me that would be enough.

Also, please don't kill me, but I don't really have the time to change distributions and see if other have problems like that ;). I have work to do and experimenting with changing distros won't pay my bills.

Edit 2: Thank you all for your answers. I was pleasantly surprised about the amount of feedback from users of this site!

Is there a method of slowing down the copy process on Linux?

I have a big file, say 10GB, and I'd like to copy it to another directory, but I don't want to copy it with full speed. Let's say I'd like to copy it with the speed of 1mb/s, not faster. I'd like to use a standard Linux cp command.

Is this possible? (If yes, how?)

Edit: so, I'll add more context to what I'm trying to achieve.

I have a problem on the ArchLinux system when copying large files over USB (to a pendrive, usb disk, etc). After filling up the usb buffer cache, my system stops responding (even the mouse stops; it moves only sporadically). The copy operation is still ongoing, but it takes 100% resources of the box. When the copy operation finishes, everything goes back to normal -- everything is perfectly responsive again.

Maybe it's a hardware error, I don't know, but I do know I have two machines with this problem (both are on ArchLinux, one is a desktop box, second is a laptop).

Easiest and fastest "solution" to this (I agree it's not the 'real' solution, just an ugly 'hack') would be to prevent this buffer from filling up by copying the file with an average write speed of the USB drive, for me that would be enough.

Is there a method of slowing down the copy process on Linux?

I have a big file, say 10GB, and I'd like to copy it to another directory, but I don't want to copy it with full speed. Let's say I'd like to copy it with the speed of 1mb/s, not faster. I'd like to use a standard Linux cp command.

Is this possible? (If yes, how?)

Edit: so, I'll add more context to what I'm trying to achieve.

I have a problem on the ArchLinux system when copying large files over USB (to a pendrive, usb disk, etc). After filling up the usb buffer cache, my system stops responding (even the mouse stops; it moves only sporadically). The copy operation is still ongoing, but it takes 100% resources of the box. When the copy operation finishes, everything goes back to normal -- everything is perfectly responsive again.

Maybe it's a hardware error, I don't know, but I do know I have two machines with this problem (both are on ArchLinux, one is a desktop box, second is a laptop).

Easiest and fastest "solution" to this (I agree it's not the 'real' solution, just an ugly 'hack') would be to prevent this buffer from filling up by copying the file with an average write speed of the USB drive, for me that would be enough.

Also, please don't kill me, but I don't really have the time to change distributions and see if other have problems like that ;). I have work to do and experimenting with changing distros won't pay my bills.

Is there a method of slowing down the copy process on Linux?

I have a big file, say 10GB, and I'd like to copy it to another directory, but I don't want to copy it with full speed. Let's say I'd like to copy it with the speed of 1mb/s, not faster. I'd like to use a standard Linux cp command.

Is this possible? (If yes, how?)

Edit: so, I'll add more context to what I'm trying to achieve.

I have a problem on the ArchLinux system when copying large files over USB (to a pendrive, usb disk, etc). After filling up the usb buffer cache, my system stops responding (even the mouse stops; it moves only sporadically). The copy operation is still ongoing, but it takes 100% resources of the box. When the copy operation finishes, everything goes back to normal -- everything is perfectly responsive again.

Maybe it's a hardware error, I don't know, but I do know I have two machines with this problem (both are on ArchLinux, one is a desktop box, second is a laptop).

Easiest and fastest "solution" to this (I agree it's not the 'real' solution, just an ugly 'hack') would be to prevent this buffer from filling up by copying the file with an average write speed of the USB drive, for me that would be enough.

Also, please don't kill me, but I don't really have the time to change distributions and see if other have problems like that ;). I have work to do and experimenting with changing distros won't pay my bills.

Edit 2: Thank you all for your answers. I was pleasantly surprised about the amount of feedback from users of this site!