How to See Computer Resources on Ubuntu: A Comprehensive Guide

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Ubuntu system information
DateJan 11, 2025

When using Ubuntu, knowing how to monitor your system’s resources is vital for maintaining performance and resolving issues effectively. Whether you’re troubleshooting slow performance, optimizing processes, or simply curious about the inner workings of your machine, Ubuntu provides numerous tools to help you assess your computer’s resources. In this guide, we’ll explore how to see computer resources on Ubuntu, including CPU usage, memory allocation, disk space, and more. Additionally, we’ll highlight how to use Screenfetch not just for monitoring, but also to determine your Ubuntu version effortlessly.

Ubuntu, being a Linux-based operating system, is rich with command-line utilities and graphical interfaces to visualize system information. From built-in tools like the System Monitor to command-line utilities like top, htop, and free, you can find solutions suited to beginners and advanced users alike. By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped to monitor your system’s health with ease and even determine the Ubuntu version you’re running using tools like Screenfetch.

Ubuntu, one of the most popular Linux distributions, is celebrated for its user-friendly interface and powerful features. Whether you’re an IT professional, a developer, or simply a curious user, understanding how to access system information and monitor computer resources is a critical skill. These insights enable you to optimize your system’s performance, troubleshoot issues effectively, and ensure your hardware meets the requirements for your tasks.

In this guide, we’ll delve into the essential tools and commands Ubuntu provides to unlock detailed insights into your system’s performance. From understanding Ubuntu 24 memory requirements to leveraging tools for monitoring CPU, GPU, and disk usage, this tutorial will help you harness the full potential of your Ubuntu system.

For those seeking advanced performance, investing in specialized tools or configurations like Buy GPU RDP can elevate your experience, especially if your tasks involve resource-intensive activities such as AI training, video rendering, or gaming. Additionally, we’ll highlight ways to explore Ubuntu system information so you can make informed decisions about your hardware and software needs.

In our Tech-driven world the Effectiveness of a Calculator or device often dictates how efficiently tasks are completed. Whether you scope leading amp green unit installation software systems or troubleshooting Problems checking your unit specifications is an important measure. System specifications—or specs—are essentially the technical details of your hardware and software configuration. These admit the cpu run store art board and operational unit Explaination among others. Understanding these specifications ensures compatibility prevents Effectiveness bottlenecks and helps in making informed decisions for upgrades or purchases. here are some reasons why it is relevant to love your system specs.

1. Ensuring Software Compatibility

One of the primary reasons to check system specifications is to ensure compatibility with the software you want to install. contemporary Uses specifically Supply-intensive ones care picture redaction software system 3-d Representation tools or the current picture games bear particular Calculater hardware and software system requirements. Installing software that exceeds your system capabilities can lead to crashes slow Effectiveness or even complete failure to run the program.

For example if you plan to install a game requiring a minimum of 8GB RAM and a dedicated graphics card with 4GB VRAM attempting to run it on a system with 4GB RAM and Combined graphics will likely result in frustration. checking your glasses advance saves sentence and prevents such as rapport Problems.

2. Optimizing Effectiveness

System Effectiveness is directly tied to the specifications of your hardware. deliberate your system capabilities get service you Improve its operation. For instance if you experience slowdowns checking the available RAM or CPU usage can provide insights into potential bottlenecks. upgrading Parts care adding further run or shift to associate in nursing ssd (solid-state drive) get drastically better Effectiveness

Furthermore software system programs leave you to set settings founded along your system glasses. Lowering graphics settings in a game or reducing the reAnswer of a video render can ensure smoother operation if your hardware is top-tier. this fine-tuning is but contingent once you read your system limitations.

3. Planning Upgrades Effectively

Tech Develops rapidly and your system may not remain cutting-edge for long. on a regular basis checking your unit specifications get service you Layout upgrades in effect. For instance if you notice your Methodor struggles with multitasking or your storage is nearing full capacity it a clear sign to consider an upgrade.

When upgrading understanding your current specs ensures compatibility between new and existing Parts. for case deliberate your motherboard specifications helps inch selecting amp congenial cpu or run. Similarly checking available ports and slots is vital when adding new hardware such as a GPU or additional storage.

4. Troubleshooting abstract Problems

When your unit encounters problems checking the specifications get work associate in nursing important measure inch troubleshooting. Problems like frequent crashes overheating or sluggish Effectiveness often stem from mismatched hardware and software configurations. away Examinationing your glasses you get speck the base suit. For instance running an Use that demands high CPU usage on an older Methodor might explain frequent system freezes.

also providing detailed specifications when seeking technical support—whether from online forums IT professionals or customer service—enables faster and more accurate Answers. numerous troubleshooting guides and communities take particular unit inside information to bid bespoke advice.

5. Saving Money and Time

Purchasing software or hardware without Confirming system specifications can lead to wasted money and time. think purchasing amp back software system or Calculater hardware rise but to get it incongruous with your unit. Such scenarios can be avoided by simply checking your specs beforehand.

also understanding your system specifications helps you determine whether an upgrade is necessary or if existing hardware can be Improved. for case upgrading from associate in nursing hdd to associate in nursing ssd or cleanup leading your store place get better operation without requiring amp all green Calculater.

6. Enhancing Security and Compatibility

Operating system and software updates are essential for security and Roleality. notwithstanding not complete systems get work the current updates. Checking your specs ensures that your device meets the minimum requirements for updates and prevents Problems like software crashes or reduced Effectiveness after an update.

Knowing your system specs can also help you decide when it is time to transition to a newer device. If your flow unit gets nobelium long back contemporary operational systems or important software systems it is a light index that associate in nursing rise is necessary to hold certificate and Roleality.

7. Facilitating Collaboration and Sharing

In professional or collaborative settings sharing your system specifications can be decisive. for case once practical along amp squad cast involving explicit plan picture redaction or software system evolution deliberate and joint your glasses ensures everyone uses congenial tools and workflows. It prevents potential delays caused by incompatibilities between systems.

How to Check Your System Specifications

Checking system specifications is straightforward. along windows devices you get approach base Information away right-clicking “this pc” or “my Calculater” and selecting “properties” for Fancy glasses tools care job coach twist coach or third-party Uses such as arsenic cpu-z and speccy get render general Understandings. On macOS system information is accessible via the Apple menu under “About This Mac.” Smartphones and tablets also have similar settings to view hardware and software details.

Method 1: Checking System Specifications with the System Monitor (GUI)

The System Monitor is a built-in tool in most modern operating systems that provides a graphical interface for viewing system specifications and monitoring performance metrics. Using this GUI-based approach, you can quickly check critical hardware and software information without needing technical expertise. This method is especially user-friendly for individuals who prefer visual tools over command-line utilities. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to check your system specifications using the System Monitor.


Step 1: Access the System Monitor

The first step is to locate and launch the System Monitor on your computer. This process may vary slightly depending on your operating system:

  • Windows: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager directly. Alternatively, right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager. If it opens in a simplified view, click on More details at the bottom.
  • macOS: Open the Activity Monitor by navigating to Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor. You can also use Spotlight Search (Cmd + Space) and type “Activity Monitor.”
  • Linux: Depending on your desktop environment, search for “System Monitor” in the application menu. For example, in GNOME, open the System Monitor application. Alternatively, use a similar tool like KSysGuard or htop.

Step 2: Navigate to the System Specifications Tab

Once the System Monitor is open, look for a section that displays hardware and system details. These are typically grouped into tabs or sections like Performance, Resources, or About. Here’s what you can find:

  1. CPU Details: View the type, number of cores, and current usage percentage of your processor. This is useful for understanding your system’s multitasking capabilities.
  2. Memory (RAM): Check the total installed memory, currently used memory, and available memory. This helps in gauging whether you need to upgrade your RAM for better performance.
  3. Storage: Look at the total storage capacity, free space, and usage per drive. This information is critical if your system is running low on storage.
  4. Graphics: Identify your GPU model and its memory. This is particularly important for gaming or graphic-intensive tasks.
  5. Operating System Details: Find the version of your operating system, kernel (on Linux), and system type (e.g., 64-bit or 32-bit).

Step 3: Analyze Real-Time Performance Metrics

The System Monitor also provides real-time performance data. Use this feature to see how your system components are performing:

  • CPU Usage: A graph or percentage indicating how much of your CPU is being utilized. Spikes may indicate heavy applications running in the background.
  • Memory Usage: A visual representation of how much RAM is in use.
  • Disk Activity: View read and write speeds for your storage devices.
  • Network Activity: Check your internet usage in real time, including upload and download speeds.

Step 4: Export or Record Data (Optional)

Some system monitors allow you to export data or save logs for future reference. For instance, macOS and Linux tools often have options to save performance snapshots.


Method 2: Viewing System Specifications via the Terminal

If you’re a Linux or macOS user, one of the most efficient ways to get detailed information about your system’s specifications is through the terminal. The terminal offers a command-line interface that can provide a wide range of hardware and software details quickly, without needing to rely on graphical tools. In this method, we will explore how to view your system’s specifications using various terminal commands.

1. Basic Information with name

The name command is one of the simplest and most useful commands for obtaining basic system information. It provides details about the operating system, kernel, and hardware architecture.

Command:
bash
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uname -a

  • Explanation:
    • -a shows all the information available, including the kernel name, version, machine architecture, and the operating system.

Example output:
graphql
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Linux user-PC 5.8.0-53-generic #60~20.04.1-Ubuntu SMP Wed Mar 17 20:59:34 UTC 2021 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux

  • This tells you that the system is running Linux, with an x86_64 architecture, and gives you the kernel version and other details.

2. CPU Information with lscpu

The lscpu command is useful for displaying detailed information about the CPU architecture, including the number of cores, threads, and CPU model.

Command:
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lscpu

Explanation: This command provides output specific to the CPU, such as the model name, the number of cores, threads per core, CPU family, and cache size.
Example output:
yaml
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Architecture:        x86_64

CPU(s):              4

Thread(s) per core:  2

Core(s) per socket:  2

CPU family:          6

Model:               158

Model name:          Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-6700HQ CPU @ 2.60GHz

Cache size:          6144 KB

3. Memory Information with free

To view your system’s RAM and swap memory usage, the free command is a great choice. It gives you a summary of total, used, and available memory, which is essential for understanding how much memory your system has and how much is in use.

Command:
c
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free -h

Explanation: The -h flag makes the output human-readable by converting byte values into KB, MB, or GB, depending on the size.
Example output:
vbnet
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total        used        free      shared  buff/cache   available

Mem:           16Gi       4.3Gi       6.7Gi       252Mi       5.0Gi       11Gi

Swap:          8.0Gi      0.0Gi       8.0Gi

4. Disk Information with lsblk

If you want to check the storage devices connected to your system, such as hard drives or SSDs, you can use the lsblk command. This provides detailed information about each block device, such as its name, size, and mount point.

Command:
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lsblk

Explanation: This command lists all the available block devices (disks, partitions, etc.), their size, type, and mount points.
Example output:
arduino
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NAME   MAJ:MIN RM   SIZE RO TYPE MOUNTPOINT

sda      8:0    0   500G  0 disk 

├─sda1   8:1    0   300G  0 part /

└─sda2   8:2    0   200G  0 part /home

5. System Hardware with lshw

The lshw (short for “list hardware”) command provides a comprehensive overview of your hardware configuration, including details about the CPU, memory, disks, and more. This tool is often used for in-depth hardware information.

Command:
arduino
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sudo lshw -short

Explanation: The -short option provides a concise summary, while running it with sudo ensures it has the necessary permissions to access hardware details.
Example output:
scss
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H/W path           Device      Class       Description

================================================

/0                         system      Laptop

/0/0                       bus         Motherboard

/0/0/0                     processor  Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-6700HQ CPU

/0/0/1                     memory     8GiB System Memory

/0/0/2                     disk        500GB SSD


Method 3: Using the inxi Tool for Comprehensive Reports

The inxi tool is a powerful system information tool for Linux-based operating systems, offering a comprehensive and highly detailed report about your hardware and software configuration. It’s a highly efficient way to gather information about your system without needing to manually dig through various commands or files. Whether you’re troubleshooting hardware issues, diagnosing performance bottlenecks, or simply want to learn more about the system’s capabilities, inxi makes it easy to access this information in a neat and readable format.

Installing inxi

First, to use inxi, you need to install it. Depending on your Linux distribution, the installation method may vary. On most Debian-based systems (such as Ubuntu), you can install inxi using the following command:

bash

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sudo apt install inxi

On Red Hat-based systems (such as Fedora), use:

bash

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sudo dnf install inxi

Once installed, you can verify the installation by typing:

bash

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inxi –version

This command will return the current version of inxi installed on your system, ensuring that it’s ready to use.

Basic Usage

The simplest way to use inxi is by executing the command without any parameters. This will provide a general overview of your system’s information:

bash

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inxi

By default, this command will display basic information, including:

  • CPU: The processor type, model, and number of cores.
  • Graphics: Details about your GPU and its associated memory.
  • Memory: Information on the total installed RAM and its usage.
  • System: Operating system, kernel version, and architecture (e.g., 64-bit).
  • Drives: Details about your hard drives or SSDs, including the total size and partition scheme.

Advanced Usage with Options

While the basic output is useful, inxi becomes more valuable when used with various options to display detailed reports. Here are some of the most commonly used options:

  1. inxi -F: This command provides a full system report, including information about your CPU, GPU, audio, network interfaces, drives, and more. It also includes the current uptime and the weather (if configured). It’s ideal for users who need a complete overview of the system at once.
  2. inxi -G: For users interested in graphics and display hardware, this option shows detailed information about the GPU, including the model, driver, and configuration. If you’re troubleshooting display issues or checking performance, this is a useful option.
  3. inxi -I: The -I option displays information about your network interfaces, including IP addresses, routing tables, and DNS settings. It’s particularly helpful when troubleshooting network-related issues.
  4. inxi -S: This option provides a concise overview of your operating system and kernel version, which is often needed when debugging issues related to compatibility or software performance.
  5. inxi -M: Displays motherboard details, such as the manufacturer, model, and chipset. This is useful if you’re diagnosing hardware or planning an upgrade.

Examples of Comprehensive Reports

System Overview:
bash
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inxi -F

  • This command will provide you with a full snapshot of your system’s health and capabilities, from CPU and memory details to hardware devices and software versions.

Hardware Details:
bash
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inxi -M

  • Use this to get detailed information about your motherboard, which can help with compatibility checks when adding new components.

Method 4: Retrieving Basic System Information with hostnametical

In the world of system administration and network management, understanding the core details of the system’s configuration is crucial for troubleshooting and optimizing performance. One valuable tool for how to see computer resources on ubuntu this purpose is hostnametical. This utility allows you to retrieve and display essential information about your machine’s hostname, network interfaces, and other related configurations. It is a lightweight yet powerful method to get a snapshot of your system’s network setup. Below, we’ll delve into how to use hostnametical for retrieving basic system information.

What is hostnametical?

hostnametical is a simple command-line tool designed to display network-related details about the host system. It combines the functions of various other commands, such as hostname, ip, and ifconfig, into a unified output. Unlike these individual commands, hostnametical organizes and presents this information in a more user-friendly way, making it a useful utility for administrators and developers alike.

The tool is especially helpful when you need to gather important system details quickly, such as the system’s hostname, IP addresses, and related network configurations.

Installing hostnametical

To use hostnametical, you first need to ensure it’s installed on your system. You can install it via package managers like apt or yum on Linux systems.

For Debian-based systems, such as Ubuntu, you can run the following command:

bash

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sudo apt-get install hostnametical

For Red Hat-based systems, such as CentOS, use:

bash

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sudo yum install hostnametical

Once installed, you can start using hostnametical right away.

Using hostnametical to Retrieve System Information

The core functionality of hostnametical is to provide a concise and informative overview of your system’s hostname and network interfaces. Running the command without any options will give you the basic information:

bash

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hostnametical

This will display:

  1. Hostname: The current name of your machine as recognized on the network.
  2. IP Addresses: It lists both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses assigned to your system’s network interfaces.
  3. Network Interfaces: It displays the network interfaces available on your system, such as Ethernet (eth0), Wi-Fi (wlan0), or others.
  4. MAC Address: The unique identifier for the system’s network interfaces.
  5. DNS Information: It shows the DNS servers configured on your system, which is useful for network troubleshooting.
  6. Gateway: The default network gateway your system uses to access other networks, including the internet.

Commonly Used Options with hostnametical

While the basic command provides essential details, you can also use various options to customize the output:

-i (IP addresses): To specifically list the IP addresses associated with your system’s interfaces, you can run:
bash
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hostnametical -i

  1. This will show a list of IP addresses, helping you quickly identify the addresses assigned to each network interface.

-h (Hostname): To retrieve only the system’s hostname, you can use:
bash
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hostnametical -h

  1. This is useful when you want to isolate just the hostname from the other system details.

-n (Network interfaces): To focus on the network interfaces, use:
bash
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hostnametical -n

  1. This command will list all network interfaces, which is particularly useful when you have multiple adapters and need to identify them quickly.

-g (Gateway): To display the gateway information, use:
bash
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hostnametical -g

  1. This is useful for troubleshooting network connectivity issues, particularly in multi-network setups.

Why Use hostnametical?

The primary benefit of hostnametical lies in its simplicity and speed. Instead of running multiple commands and piecing together the output, you can quickly access all the basic system information in one place. Whether you are managing servers, troubleshooting network issues, or setting up new systems, this tool can save you time and effort.


Method 5: Determining Your Ubuntu Version with lsb_release

When you’re using Ubuntu, it’s crucial to know the version you’re working with, especially when troubleshooting, upgrading, or installing software. Knowing the specific version helps ensure that any instructions or packages you follow are compatible with your setup. One reliable way to check your Ubuntu version is by using the lsb_release command. This method is straightforward, efficient, and commonly used among system administrators and Ubuntu users alike.

What is lsb_release?

lsb_release stands for Linux Standard Base Release, and it’s a command-line utility that provides detailed information about the Linux distribution you’re using. The lsb_release tool displays essential details, including the Ubuntu version, codename, and release description. Unlike checking version information through file inspection or system logs, lsb_release simplifies the process by providing an easy-to-read summary.

How to Use lsb_release

To determine your Ubuntu version using lsb_release, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Terminal
    • You can open the terminal by searching for “Terminal” in the activities menu or by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T.
  2. Run the Command

To display the Ubuntu version information, simply type the following command in the terminal and press Enter:
css
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lsb_release -a

  1. Interpret the Output

After running this command, you’ll see output similar to the following:
yaml
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No LSB modules are available.

Distributor ID: Ubuntu

Description:    Ubuntu 20.04.1 LTS

Release:        20.04

Codename:       focal

  1. The key fields in the output are:
    • Distributor ID: Shows the name of the distribution. In this case, it’s “Ubuntu.”
    • Description: Provides the full description of your Ubuntu version, including the version number and whether it’s a Long Term Support (LTS) version.
    • Release: This shows the release version number. In this example, it’s 20.04.
    • Codename: The codename associated with the release. For example, “focal” corresponds to Ubuntu 20.04.
  2. Understanding the Flags
    • lsb_release -a: The -a flag shows all available information.

lsb_release -r: If you only want to see the release number, you can use this flag.
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lsb_release -r

The output will only show:
makefile
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Release:        20.04

  1. Checking the Ubuntu Version with Specific Information
    • Sometimes, you might only need specific details. For instance:
      • Use lsb_release -d to show the description (including version and codename).
      • Use lsb_release -c to get just the codename (e.g., “focal” for Ubuntu 20.04).
      • Use lsb_release -i to display the distribution ID (e.g., “Ubuntu”).

Why Use lsb_release?

The lsb_release command is preferred over manually checking version files (e.g., /etc/os-release or /etc/lsb-release) because:

  • It ensures consistency across different Ubuntu releases.
  • It presents the information in a clear, standardized format.
  • It’s easier to use when working with multiple machines or automated scripts.

Additionally, lsb_release can be a helpful troubleshooting tool when dealing with compatibility issues, as some applications or commands may rely on specific Ubuntu versions or codenames.

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