Linux Server Monitoring

As the leader of open-source software development and distribution, Linux’s history and growing importance is knowledge of second nature to those in IT. Linux is the leading operating system on servers and for that reason, it makes sense Linux server monitoring has become one of the best ways to ensure your systems are operating at peak performance.  Linux server monitoring requires a proactive approach that adds value to the greater IT organization. Here are a few techniques that will provide insight into the operational status of your Linux servers and ensure you are efficiently monitoring them. 

Keep your Linux servers properly organized

In order to keep things organized between servers and networks, it is important to categorize your infrastructure in a way that can be easily viewed and accessed. One way of doing this is to group servers by business process and display their status using simple 'traffic lights' to all users. Once you are aware of server health, it is easier to use logical and functional maps that give quick reference to network configuration methods. 

Prioritize your Linux server monitoring commands 

The best way of becoming a top-notch Linux sysadmin and having full oversight into Linux servers is by mastering the most important Linux commands. While GUI programs can offer much of the information provided by shell commands, Linux GUIs take up valuable resources that can be utilized elsewhere. If you are faced with an endless amount of Linux commands to keep track of, be sure to learn the details of the following commands and place them at the top of your priority list: 

• Iostat: Provides a detailed view into storage and alerts you to slow I/O issues, which can impact server speed 
• Meminfo: A command that gives insight into server memory data 
• Mpstat: Reports on the status of server CPUs and can display CPU statistics per system or per processer
• Netstat: A commonly used Linux command that provides a wide variety of network-related information such as routing, interface, protocol, network statistics, and more

Know the benefits of both agent and agentless Linux server monitoring 

Agentless monitoring via SNMP contains checks such as CPU, memory, network throughput, and disk utilization, while agents are designed to be installed and run on your Linux system according to your needs. While the SNMP approach is often preferred for collecting and organizing information about managed devices, it is important to know the differences/benefits regarding both agent and agentless monitoring for your Linux servers to be most effectively overseen. 

Safeguard your Linux environment with security measures

Monitoring Linux servers is one of the best ways to protect your IT environment from security threats. By implementing a monitoring solution that is always on the lookout for errors in your system, any threats or breaches from unauthorized applications can be quickly dealt with and ensure your network is constantly safeguarded. Take the time to set up firewalls and be sure that servers are aware of any new additions into your infrastructure. These security measures are always beneficial in the long run and help bolster your greater monitoring efforts. 

Looking for the best Linux server monitoring tools? Learn how Opsview's operating system monitoring tools can play a vital role in ensuring the performance and availability of your IT infrastructure.