How to Check Memory and CPU Usage on Ubuntu or AlmaLinux
VPS Servers · Self-help guide
If your VPS feels slow, check CPU and memory usage before restarting services. Connect by SSH and run top to view live processes. Press q to exit. If installed, htop gives a friendlier view; install it on Ubuntu with sudo apt install htop or on AlmaLinux with sudo dnf install htop. Run free -h to check memory and swap usage. Use uptime to view server load averages. High load for a short time is not always a problem, but high load for a long time needs investigation. Note the process names using the most CPU or RAM and include them when contacting support.