How to Get System Memory Information on Linux Terminal

Linux users often need to check the system memory information, including the total amount of memory installed, used, and available. This information is crucial for troubleshooting, optimizing system performance, and ensuring that the system has sufficient resources to run applications smoothly. In this article, we will explore the ways to get system memory information on the Linux terminal.

Using the free Command

The free command is a simple and effective way to get system memory information. To use this command, open the Linux terminal and type:

free -m

The -m option displays the memory information in megabytes. The output will show the total amount of memory, used memory, free memory, shared memory, buffer cache, and swap memory.

Using the cat Command

Another way to get system memory information is by using the cat command to display the contents of the /proc/meminfo file. To do this, open the Linux terminal and type:

cat /proc/meminfo

This will display a detailed list of memory information, including the total amount of memory, used memory, free memory, and other memory-related statistics.

Using the vmstat Command

The vmstat command provides a more detailed view of system memory and swap usage. To use this command, open the Linux terminal and type:

vmstat -s

The -s option displays a summary of memory and swap usage. The output will show the total amount of memory, used memory, free memory, and swap memory, as well as other statistics such as page faults and swaps.

Using the top Command

The top command provides a real-time view of system memory and CPU usage. To use this command, open the Linux terminal and type:

top

The top command displays a list of running processes, including their memory and CPU usage. You can use the M key to sort the processes by memory usage.

How to Check the Total Amount of System Memory Installed

To check the total amount of system memory installed on your Ubuntu system, you can use the grep command to extract the relevant information from the /proc/meminfo file. To do this, open the Linux terminal and type:

grep MemTotal /proc/meminfo

This will display the total amount of system memory installed, in kilobytes.

For more information on how to check the total amount of system memory installed on your Ubuntu system, you can refer to the article How Much System Memory is Installed on Your Terminal in Ubuntu.

Conclusion

In conclusion, getting system memory information on the Linux terminal is a straightforward process that can be achieved using various commands such as free, cat, vmstat, and top. These commands provide a range of information, from basic memory usage statistics to detailed views of memory and swap usage. By using these commands, Linux users can easily monitor and troubleshoot system memory issues, ensuring that their system runs smoothly and efficiently.