Measure system runtime with tuptime Stopwatch
If a Linux system has been running for a long time, this is definitely proof of its stability, but – depending on the distribution – some updates might be waiting to install. Conversely, if the system reboots very frequently, there may be a configuration error – or maybe a hardware component is slowly deteriorating. On a workstation computer, such restarts are quickly noticed, but not necessarily on a remote server that is running quietly and well away from the action.
How long a system has been running continuously can be determined at the command line by a call to uptime. But you might also want to try tuptime [1], a similar tool whose name is based on a contraction of "total uptime." It outputs far more information, including valuable information in the form of the number of reboots and the kernel version used.
Installation
While uptime is available on almost every system, you need to install tuptime separately. Some distributions already have the tool in their repositories, such as Debian and Ubuntu. Arch Linux users will find tuptime in the AUR and CentOS users in the EPEL repository. On any Linux system, you can install the tool with the following:
[...]
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
-
Linux Mint 22.3 Now Available with New Tools
Linux Mint 22.3 has been released with a pair of new tools for system admins and some pretty cool new features.
-
New Linux Malware Targets Cloud-Based Linux Installations
VoidLink, a new Linux malware, should be of real concern because of its stealth and customization.
-
Say Goodbye to Middle-Mouse Paste
Both Gnome and Firefox have proposed getting rid of a long-time favorite Linux feature.
-
Manjaro 26.0 Primary Desktop Environments Default to Wayland
If you want to stick with X.Org, you'll be limited to the desktop environments you can choose.
-
Mozilla Plans to AI-ify Firefox
With a new CEO in control, Mozilla is doubling down on a strategy of trust, all the while leaning into AI.
-
Gnome Says No to AI-Generated Extensions
If you're a developer wanting to create a new Gnome extension, you'd best set aside that AI code generator, because the extension team will have none of that.
-
Parrot OS Switches to KDE Plasma Desktop
Yet another distro is making the move to the KDE Plasma desktop.
-
TUXEDO Announces Gemini 17
TUXEDO Computers has released the fourth generation of its Gemini laptop with plenty of updates.
-
Two New Distros Adopt Enlightenment
MX Moksha and AV Linux 25 join ranks with Bodhi Linux and embrace the Enlightenment desktop.
-
Solus Linux 4.8 Removes Python 2
Solus Linux 4.8 has been released with the latest Linux kernel, updated desktops, and a key removal.