Linux Format forums

[kevanf1]

Anyody know the usage (syntax etc) for 'top'? I assume it is a command line topic? The reason I meed to use it is because I tried out Mandriva (from the cover DVD) and it is like wading through toffee....that's set. I think something is hoggin memory. I had the same with Mandrake 10.1 bit MDK 10 was fine. It's an old PC running a 500mhz AMD K6-2 with 256 mb of RAM but it should run better than this.

[Rhakios]

top is best for judging what's using your processor, rather than memory. ps aux will also show you % memory used, usually the fourth column along. The main difference is that ps aux will show a snapshot of all the processes, while top shows a dynamic view of the top processes uisng system resources, usually sorted by processor usage.
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Bye, Rhakios

[sirrondach]

If you want to run "top", just open a terminal window and type top <CR>

It will show the running processes, usually sorted by CPU usage by default I think.
Type k and the process Id no. to kill a particular process (careful!). Type q to quit.
More info available from "man top" or "top --help" I think.

[kevanf1]

Cheers guys. I'll fire up the MDK tin and go have a bath while it loads...yes, it's that bad. I've no doubt it is down to one of the processes but which one?????

Thank you.

Kevan