Monitoring Linux performance with Orca
WATCHING THE WATERS
Monitor and troubleshoot Linux system performance with the free and powerful Orca.
Enter the mysterious, and much neglected, world of performance monitoring. The mystery and neglect have the same root cause; performance analysis is a very complex issue that can be quite daunting. Performance engineers typically deliver thick reports replete with statistical equations, graphics, and polysyllabic run-on sentences to explain why you will need to replace your current infrastructure within a given time frame. System administrators yawn at the lengthy explanations and statistics equations that, frankly, can look like recipes written in Martian. You may be wondering why you really need to worry about performance monitoring for Linux since hardware is at almost “throw-away” prices today. The answer is that, for larger installations of Linux and mission-critical applications, it is less expensive to add to your infrastructure than to replace it. With clustering, fail-over applications, and distributed environments supporting hundreds or thousands of users, adding another 4 CPU server with 4GB of RAM is infinitely more palatable to those who write the checks than replacing everything you have because you have run out of resources. By collecting performance data, you can make informed decisions about upgrading, adding to, or replacing hardware as business growth dictates.
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.