Module 7: System Monitoring and Logging

Lesson 1: System Monitoring Tools

1.1 Introduction to System Monitoring

System monitoring is a critical aspect of Linux system administration, allowing us to observe resource usage, identify bottlenecks, and troubleshoot performance issues.

1.1.1 Top

top: Displays real-time information about system resource usage, running processes, and more.

 top

1.1.2 htop

htop: An enhanced interactive process viewer. 

htop

1.1.3 ps

ps: Displays information about active processes. 

ps aux

Lesson 2: System Logs

2.1 Overview of System Logs

System logs provide a wealth of information about the health and status of a Linux system. One common log file is /var/log/syslog.

2.1.1 Reviewing syslog

Viewing the syslog:

 cat /var/log/syslog

Viewing the last lines of syslog: 

tail /var/log/syslog

Searching for specific messages:

grep "keyword" /var/log/syslog

In this module, we explored essential tools for system monitoring, including top, htop, and ps, which provide real-time insights into resource usage and running processes. Additionally, we delved into system logs, focusing on the /var/log/syslog file. Understanding how to interpret and utilize these logs is crucial for identifying and resolving issues, ensuring the health and stability of the Linux system. As we progress in our Linux system administration journey, mastering these monitoring and logging tools will empower us to maintain optimal system performance and address potential challenges effectively.