Linux Commands / IT Support Guides
Observe a Linux slowdown with top
When a problem comes and goes, a live monitor helps connect the user action with CPU, memory and process behavior. Start a short observation during reproduction.
Environment and inputs: Linux · Bash-compatible shell; package and service names vary by distribution
Try the diagnostic command
Use the stated shell and platform. Replace sample domains, addresses, services and paths with values from the system you are authorized to support.
topHow to read the result
The display refreshes system and process activity. CPU idle, load averages, memory and task states provide different signals; load average is not a CPU utilization percentage.
What to do next
Note whether one process grows, several tasks wait or the whole host becomes busy. Record a short timed observation and compare it with service latency and storage metrics.
Before you make a change
Interactive keys can change sorting or send signals. Use the display for observation and quit with q rather than experimenting on a production host.