Monitoring server performance is a crucial aspect of IT infrastructure management and maintenance. Accurate tracking of resources and performance allows administrators to preempt issues, identify bottlenecks, and optimize server performance. In the CentOS 7 operating system, various tools are available for monitoring performance, each providing a unique view of different system aspects. In this article, we will explore three popular tools: top, htop, and vmstat, and how you can utilize them for effective server monitoring.
Top
The top tool is a standard utility available in most Linux distributions, including CentOS 7. It provides a dynamic view of processes running in the system and resource utilization such as CPU, memory, and processor time. Using top is straightforward—simply execute the top command in the terminal, and you'll be presented with a list of processes sorted by CPU usage. This tool is ideal for quick checks and identifying processes that are taxing the system.
Htop
For those seeking a more advanced alternative to top, htop is an excellent choice. Htop offers all the features of top but adds a range of enhancements, including a colorful user interface, mouse support, and customizable display options. It also allows easy sorting of processes based on various criteria and direct manipulation of processes, such as pausing or adjusting priority. To install htop on CentOS 7, use the command sudo yum install htop.
Vmstat
The vmstat (Virtual Memory Statistics) tool is another useful utility that provides information on virtual memory, processes, input/output, and system and CPU activity. This tool is valuable for monitoring performance trends over time and identifying resource usage patterns. Vmstat presents an overview in the form of a table, enabling easy reading and analysis of data. Running vmstat is accomplished by executing the vmstat command in the terminal.
Effective monitoring of server performance is essential for maintaining the health and performance of IT infrastructure. Tools like top, htop, and vmstat offer valuable insights that help administrators identify and address issues promptly, optimize resource utilization, and improve overall server performance on CentOS 7. With these tools at your disposal, you have everything you need for efficient monitoring and management of your server environment.
