RHEL Linux - Red Hat System Administration Practice Exam

Which command is used to view system resource usage on a Linux system?

1. htop

2. top

3. ps

4. vmstat

The correct answer is: top

The choice of "top" as the command for viewing system resource usage on a Linux system is well-founded. The "top" command provides a dynamic, real-time view of system processes, displaying crucial information such as CPU usage, memory usage, and the processes currently consuming the most resources. This command is particularly useful for monitoring system performance and identifying programs that are using excessive resources. When the "top" command is run, it updates regularly, allowing users to see how system resource usage changes over time. This makes it an essential tool for system administrators who need to keep an eye on system load and processes during normal operations. Additionally, while there are other options available for monitoring system resources, they serve different purposes or provide static information. Commands like "htop" offer an enhanced visual representation and might not be installed by default on all systems. "ps" provides a snapshot of currently running processes but lacks the real-time updating feature of "top." "vmstat" focuses on virtual memory statistics, which is just one aspect of system resource usage. Overall, the ability of "top" to provide a comprehensive and continually updated overview of system resource usage solidifies its selection as the command of choice for this purpose.