Introduction
In Linux system administration, monitoring resource usage is crucial for maintaining optimal performance, troubleshooting bottlenecks, and ensuring fair resource allocation among users. The XK0-005 exam, part of the CompTIA Linux+ certification, tests candidates on their ability to manage system resources effectively. One common question is:
Which utility is used to show the system resources consumed by each user?
The answer is the top, htop, ps, and systemd-cgtop commands, but the most comprehensive tool for this purpose is top (and its enhanced version, htop).
In this article, we will explore:
- Key utilities for monitoring user resource consumption
- How to interpret their outputs
- Best practices for system administrators
- How Study4Pass can help you prepare for the XK0-005 exam
Understanding System Resource Monitoring in Linux
Linux provides multiple command-line tools to track CPU, memory, disk, and network usage. These tools help administrators identify which users or processes are consuming excessive resources.
Why Monitor User Resource Consumption?
- Prevent system slowdowns due to runaway processes
- Enforce fair usage policies in multi-user environments
- Identify security risks (e.g., unauthorized mining or malware)
- Optimize server performance
Key Utilities to Show Resource Consumption per User
A. The top Command
top is a real-time system monitoring tool that displays active processes, CPU usage, memory consumption, and user-wise resource allocation.
How to Use top?
- Open the terminal and type:
top
- Press Shift + M to sort by memory usage or Shift + P for CPU usage.
- To see processes by a specific user, press u and enter the username.
Key Fields in top Output
|
Field |
Description |
|
USER |
The username running the process |
|
%CPU |
CPU usage percentage |
|
%MEM |
Memory usage percentage |
|
RES |
Resident memory used (in KB/MB) |
|
COMMAND |
The process name |
Advantages of top
- Real-time updates
- Minimal system overhead
- Available on all Linux distributions
B. The htop Command (Enhanced top)
htop is an interactive, color-coded alternative to top with better readability and additional features.
How to Install and Use htop
- Install using:
sudo apt install htop # Debian/Ubuntu
sudo yum install htop # RHEL/CentOS
- Run:
htop
- Use F6 to sort by any column (e.g., PERCENT_CPU, USER).
Advantages of htop
- Mouse support for easier navigation
- Tree view of processes
- Better visual representation
C. The ps Command (Process Status)
ps provides a snapshot of running processes.
Check Processes by User
ps -aux --sort=-%cpu | head -10 # Top 10 CPU-consuming processes
ps -aux --sort=-%mem | head -10 # Top 10 memory-consuming processes
Filter by User
ps -u username # Show all processes by a specific user
Advantages of ps
- Lightweight and script-friendly
- Useful for automation and logging
D. The systemd-cgtop Command (For Systemd-Based Systems)
This command shows control group (cgroup) resource usage, useful in containerized environments.
Usage
systemd-cgtop
Key Output Columns
- Path: The cgroup name
- Tasks: Number of processes
- %CPU: CPU usage
- Memory: Memory consumption
Comparing Monitoring Tools
|
Tool |
Real-Time? |
User Filter |
GUI Support |
Best For |
|
top |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Basic monitoring |
|
htop |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes (TUI) |
Interactive monitoring |
|
ps |
No |
Yes |
No |
Scripting & logs |
|
systemd-cgtop |
Yes |
No |
No |
Systemd services |
Best Practices for Monitoring User Resources
- Set Alerts for High Usage – Use cron jobs to log resource-heavy processes.
- Limit User Resources – Use ulimit or cgroups to restrict CPU/memory.
- Automate Reports – Script ps or top outputs for daily logs.
- Use atop for Historical Data – Logs system activity over time.
Preparing for the XK0-005 Exam with Study4Pass
The CompTIA Linux+ (XK0-005) exam tests your ability to manage Linux systems, including resource monitoring. To pass:
- Understand key commands (top, htop, ps, systemd-cgtop)
- Practice interpreting outputs
- Learn troubleshooting techniques
Why Choose Study4Pass?
- Accurate Practice Questions – Mirrors the real exam format
- Detailed Explanations – Understand why an answer is correct
- Performance Analytics – Identify weak areas
- Mobile-Friendly – Study anytime, anywhere
Visit Study4Pass for the best XK0-005 study materials!
Conclusion
The top and htop commands are the primary tools for monitoring user-wise system resource consumption in Linux. Mastering these utilities is essential for the XK0-005 exam and real-world Linux administration.
For comprehensive exam preparation, Study4Pass offers high-quality practice tests and study guides tailored for CompTIA Linux+ certification.
Start your journey to Linux+ Certification today with Study4Pass!
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Actual Exam Questions For CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 Practice Test.
Sample Questions For CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 Mock Exam
1. Which utility is used to display system resource usage per user?
A) htop
B) top
C) w
D) who
2. What command helps identify the resources consumed by each logged-in user?
A) df
B) free
C) ps
D) top -u
3. Which tool provides a real-time overview of system processes and user-wise resource consumption?
A) vmstat
B) iostat
C) top
D) netstat
4. To check CPU and memory usage per user, which command is commonly used?
A) uptime
B) last
C) top (then press Shift + U to filter by user)
D) ls
5. Which alternative to top provides a more user-friendly interface for monitoring per-user resource usage?
A) cat /proc/meminfo
B) htop
C) du
D) finger