Keeping your Linux system running smoothly is a priority for any user, and having the right monitoring tool can make all the difference. Below, we’ll discuss the top system monitoring tools for Linux that offer valuable insights into your computer’s performance.
1. Plasma System Monitor
Plasma System Monitor is considered an alternative to the Windows Task Manager on Linux. It is often used by Linux users who want to have a highly customizable and detailed system monitoring experience.
This system monitoring app does exactly what you expect it to in that it gives an accurate and concise overview of the current resource usage and system activities. You can also integrate Plasma System Monitor into the KDE desktop environment.
Using Plasma, you can monitor any type of system information including GPU, CPU, disks, memory, power, hardware sensors, and more. Moreover, its customizable widget-based interface allows you to add or edit the pages to specify the data to be shown.
For instance, you can build your own custom dashboard that displays the sensors, stats, and data and also control its presentation. This widget-based interface is particularly beneficial for Linux users who want specific metrics at their fingertips.
Whether you are troubleshooting performance issues, managing resource-intensive tasks, or trying to optimize the efficiency of your system, give Plasma System Monitor a chance.
2. GNOME System Monitor
Similar to the majority of the desktop environment, GNOME includes its own system monitor. More specifically, as GNOME is the default desktop environment in Fedora, Ubuntu, and other Linux distributions, it is the system monitor you will likely have.
GNOME System Monitor is mostly utilized by those Linux users who want a quick glance at the system health, without inspecting the complicated details. This application shows how much RAM is occupied, how much you are utilizing your CPUs, and how much data you are pulling from the web. It also gives information related to swap usage.
In addition, you can view details related to the current process and also force quit if any app gets unresponsive or freezes.
Overall, the GNOME System Monitor is a great choice if you prefer simplicity, easy navigation, and accessibility over advanced system monitoring features.
3. Mission Center
Mission Center is particularly utilized in those scenarios where you need a comprehensive snapshot or quick access to crucial metrics such as optimizing resource allocation or managing multiple applications. It gives a centralized overview related to CPU, memory, and network usage.
This system monitoring app allows you to monitor overall or per-thread CPU usage, disk and network utilization, transfer rates and speeds, RAM and Swap usage, GPU usage, and network interface information.
One of the other key features of Mission Center is the array of large graphs which makes it easy to visualize how different parts of your system are performing under load.
4. Sematext
Sematext Monitoring app is specifically designed for those Linux users who want to examine the logs, infrastructure, and application performance. It offers real-time insights that are considered essential for environments where proactive monitoring and immediate issue resolution are prioritized.
Moreover, this system monitoring application updates you on everything, from the health of your application and servers to various system details such as packages, container images, and databases.
In addition, if Sematext detects an issue, it will immediately notify you through notifications and alerts via webhooks. All in all, it constantly runs checks to make sure that everything is running smoothly.
5. System Monitoring Center
If GNOME’s design isn’t your cup of tea and you prefer a more unique display for your system, go for the System Monitoring Center. Instead of using traditional graphics, this application is designed with an interesting objective to use a circular gauge similar to a car’s speedometer.
Besides aesthetics, the System Monitoring Center provides essential insights related to running processes and services. For Linux users, curious about detailed PC specifications, this app also provides thorough information that goes beyond what a regular desktop environment offers.
Moreover, you can also check the Mini System Monitor that comes from the same developer. However, it keeps the app window compact just like a widget.
6. Monitorets
Monitorets is perfect for Linux users who want a customizable and modular approach to continually monitor their computer’s performance.
It acts like a widget, which presents real-time data about your GPU, CPU, RAM, network, and more in a compact window that doesn’t get in the way. This system monitoring app offers different options, which enable you to customize its appearance with dark or light themes, switch between horizontal or grid layouts, and track storage space and temperatures for several PC components.
Whether you are tracking resource usage for a specific application, managing particular projects, or optimizing system performance, use Monitorets and create personalized dashboards as per your system monitoring requirements.
7. Resources
Many of the modern system monitors for Linux are currently geared towards GNOME. Resources is one such application that fully adopted the tall sidebar design introduced in GNOME 45, along with other enhancements like a new activities indicator. This updated style is now visible in the default file manager, the system settings app, and a few other places.
Switching to Resources isn’t just about the fresh appearance, although GNOME System Monitor might seem a bit outdated. Beyond looks, Resources offers a functional distinction by separating currently running applications from active processes. This is valuable information for desktop users rather than system administrators managing servers or multiple machines.
Resources display application names alongside their icons, which also simplifies the identification of misbehaving apps. Additionally, it also features a quick and clear way to close any frozen software.
So, use Resources to view the precise analytics of your system, easily troubleshoot performance bottlenecks, and optimize resource allocation for critical applications.
Conclusion
As you navigate the Linux system monitoring tools, consider your specific requirements and preferences. Whether you prioritize real-time insights, unique visual presentations, continuous monitoring, or a modern GNOME-integrated experience, these top apps offer a diverse range of choices to enhance your Linux system monitoring journey.
So, explore these monitoring apps on your Linux system, and take control of your system’s performance today!
