Monitor CPU, memory and process activity instantly with the `top` command and act from the same screen. 16.05.2026 | reading time: 2 min Open a terminal and run `top` to get a live, updating overview of system CPU, memory and process usage; it's the immediate tool to grab when performance degrades and you need to know why. A concrete snapshot Run `top` non-interactively to capture a single snapshot and inspect the output like a log; for example: ```bash $ top -b -n 1 | head -n 15 top - 12:34:56 up 10 days, 2 users, load average: 0.12, 0.08, 0.05 Tasks: 200 total, 1 running, 199 sleeping, 0 stopped, 0 zombie %Cpu(s): 2.0 us, 1.0 sy, 0.0 ni, 96.0 id, 0.5 wa, 0.0 hi, 0.5 si, 0.0 st MiB Mem : 16000.0 total, 2000.0 free, 6000.0 used, 8000.0 buff/cache MiB Swap: 2048.0 total, 2048.0 free, 0.0 used. 9000.0 avail Mem PID USER PR NI VIRT RES SHR S %CPU %MEM TIME+ COMMAND 1234 appuser 20 0 150000 25000 2000 S 5.0 1.6 1:23.45 myapp 4321 db 20 0 500000 100000 8000 S 2.5 6.2 0:45.67 postgres ``` Interactive moves that matter While `top` runs press `M` to sort by memory, `P` to sort by CPU, `1` to show per-core statistics, `k` to kill a PID and `r` to renice a process; use `top -b -n 1` for scripts and `top -p PID` to follow a specific process, and consult `h` inside `top` for the full help screen. When to switch tools Use `htop` for a friendlier, colored interface with mouse support, `ps` for one-shot, scriptable process listings, `vmstat` for short-term system counters and `iostat` when storage IO is suspicious; `top` stays excellent for quick, interactive triage but these tools complement different workflows. Where this leads Mastering `top` gives immediate situational awareness and the ability to respond fast; deepen that practical skillset, pursue formal credentials like CompTIA Linux+ or LPIC-1 and consider intensive exam preparation at bitsandbytes.academy to turn hands-on knowledge into certified expertise. Join Bits & Bytes Academy First class LINUX exam preparation. utilities processes troubleshooting
