How do I find out Linux CPU utilization?

I have a permanently running ksysguard on virtual desktop #4, a system monitor applet in the panel showing CPU (system/user/lowprio), memory and swap usage and occasionally top running in a terminal window somewhere. It's just impossible for me to do ANYTHING if I don't have these counters somewhere in my field of vision... Is there something wrong with me? :>

[As an aside, it's one of the reasons I feel completly paralyzed when forced to use Windows... On Win2k I can start Task Manager and minimize it to tray, where it changes into a CPU meter - it's a total crap, but at least something...]

Gkrellm is probably a better and more compact solution with all sorts of plugins, and a nice choice of skins. Check it out.

Thanks, but I'm pretty happy with system monitor applet. It doesn't use much space and shows what's necessary :) If I want more, I have this fourth desktop.

ew gkrellm is for younguns with good eyes. Forget the skins, give me something readable!

Ya know TC, the font size is adjustable... And, who are you calling a 'youngun' anyway :D.

I agree jimf. I use gkrellm exclusively (and for every session) and my middle-aged massively astigmatic eyes are never strained.

> massively astigmatic eyes are never strained

Well, that part fits, but, I wish it was still middle age :(

Hey, what's up with all the old foggies using GNU/Linux? I thought this was the realm of the youngins! I thought old foggies were supposed to have their kids set up their Linux boxes for them. I'm in the middle there, so just getting good and ripe. ;-)

> Hey, what's up with all the old foggies using GNU/Linux?

Just stubborn I guess. Contrary to popular opinion, not all of us are doddering or senile.

Quoting:Hey, what's up with all the old foggies using GNU/Linux? I thought this was the realm of the youngins!

Well, today's youngins are lazy. And I had to get all out of my bed to type that. Yawn... Going back now!

BTW I had 'wmcpu' in Windowmaker to show CPU usage. Only after I started 'mprime95' (Mersenne prime searcher), CPU usage was never below 100%, no fun to watch at all, so don't install it; it will ruin your lives!

I don't mind 100% CPU usage as long as I know what's causing it and it's low priority (like SCHED_IDLEPRIO). This way it doesn't mix with other "user" processes and they can be visually separated - brings back the fun to CPU monitor! :)

I think age might have something to do with flexibility.

The first computer I touched ran RadioShack embedded BASIC; Then RSTS/E; then something UNIX-ish but I didn't know it at the time; TRS-DOS; IBM-DOS; MS-DOS; Win1-3; MVS/VM; SunOS; Win95; Linux; Solaris; and then we get into the last 10 years.

How about someone who started with computers after WIn95 came out? It's completely within the realm of possibility that they could have gone through school and into professional life using nothing but a few flavors of MS-Windows.

> Hey, what's up with all the old foggies using GNU/Linux?

Are you saying we can't enjoy the benefits of the Age of Aquarius, just because we were around to help kick it off? Hey, you -- get offa my cloud!

> I think age might have something to do with flexibility.

Humm... You're saying those younger folks are a bit rigid? I think that's pretty discriminatory ;-)

Quoting: You're saying those younger folks are a bit rigid?

Oh Heck yes!! Gotta call 'em like we sees 'em. Giving the Facts isn't discriminatory! ;-)

Don K.

Funny, they seem more wishy-washy to me. So they might use Windows today, GNU/Linux tomorrow, and Mac the next day - and perpetually migrating their data. ;-)

Well, for cpu load monitoring, its really all about Hot-Babe: http://dindinx.net/hotbabe/ No small fonts to befuddle the elderly, and only mildly controversial to debianiods due to licensing concerns.... And its not restricted to the babe; I made a proof of concept image set that has a Tux whose belly gets redder and redder with higher load....