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Linux top command tutorial

Linux top command is a great tool to monitor Linux performances and troubleshoot Linux problem. It is available in default Ubuntu and Slackware installation. We can view a dynamic real-time view of a running system using top command. What you have to do is just type 'top' in the Linux command line terminal and press enter to see top command prints a table of Linux processes and system summary.

Here is an example of top command screenshot:

Linux top command screenshot image

A default top command prints:

  • Summary Area.
  • Message/Prompt Line.
  • Columns Header.
  • Task Area.

There are 2 basic commands that you can use when top program is running:

  • h - to view helps available.
  • q - to quit top program.

You can also use '?' to view help and press 'ctrl+c' keys combination to stop running top program.

Here is an example of Linux top command help page:

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Hi All, I'm completely stuck

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on Thu, 03/03/2011 - 23:28.

Hi All,

I'm completely stuck with my Ubuntu . The root cause of this is upgrading from 10.04 to 10.10 , somehow while uprading ,asking if I want to continue even if some file couldn't be authenticated , I said "yes" and then trouble started , ased to reboot and actually noway to have the gui of ubuntu, left is to select "recovery mode" and only command line left .
My first question is how to hook up my eth0 correctly to reach the internet ?
If you got some kind of "what to check" to help me diagnose my issue .

Many thanks for help

Eric

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