Recommend 8 open source Linux desktop monitoring tools, each one is exquisite!

GNOME System Monitor is the default system performance monitoring tool in many GNOME desktop environments, such as Ubuntu. However, for those who wish to explore more options, there are many excellent alternative applications in the Linux ecosystem.

Similar to the Windows Task Manager, Linux provides a series of graphical user interfaces (GUIs), web-based applications, and command-line tools to monitor system performance. These tools allow users to obtain various system information in real time, such as:

• • System Load : Understand CPU and memory usage.

• • Network Interface : Monitor network traffic and connection status.

• • Hardware information : View detailed information about CPU, memory, hard disk and other hardware.

With these monitoring tools, users can effectively evaluate the performance of Linux systems, identify potential bottlenecks, and ensure the health of the system through diagnostic logs and temperature readings.

1. Stacer

Stacer is a powerful system optimization and application monitoring tool designed to provide users with an intuitive and efficient system management experience. Its main features include:

• • System Overview : Displays detailed information about CPU, memory, and disk usage.

• • Startup application management : Easily manage the programs that run automatically when the system starts.

• • Service control : Enable or disable unnecessary services to improve system performance.

https://oguzhaninan.github.io/Stacer-Web/

Stacer has a very user-friendly interface that is suitable for users of all levels. It is an ideal choice for users who want to quickly optimize their system and understand resource usage.

2. htop

htop is an interactive process viewer that displays system processes and resource usage in real time.

https://htop.dev/

Its main features include:

• • Color-coded resource usage : Colors help users quickly identify high-resource-consuming processes.

• • Sorting function : Users can sort processes based on multiple criteria such as CPU, memory, etc.

• • User-friendly interface : You can easily manage processes, such as killing them or changing their priority.

top htop is a command line tool that provides richer information and a more friendly interaction method than traditional commands. htop is a good choice for users who like to work in the terminal and want to have a deeper understanding of system resource usage.

3. Xfce Task Manager

Xfce Task Manager is a lightweight alternative designed for the Xfce desktop environment.

https://www.xfce.org/

Its features include:

• • Simple process management : Provides basic process information and resource usage.

• • Resource usage chart : Displays CPU and memory usage in real time.

The Xfce task manager is very light on resources and is suitable for older devices with limited resources or for users who want to keep their system lightweight.

4. Glances

Glances is a cross-platform monitoring tool that provides a comprehensive view of system performance.

https://nicolargo.github.io/glances/

Its main features include:

• • Web-based interface : Remote monitoring is possible via a browser.

• • Real-time updates : Data will be refreshed in real time to ensure that users get the latest information.

• • Multiple monitoring indicators : Supports multiple monitoring such as CPU, memory, disk I/O and network.

Glances can be run in a terminal or accessed through a web browser, making it suitable for users who need remote monitoring, especially in a server environment.

5. Conky

Conky is a highly customizable system monitoring tool that displays system information directly on your desktop.

https://conky.cc/

Key features include:

• • CPU and memory usage : This information can be displayed in real time.

• • Network activity monitoring : Displays current network usage.

• • Customizability : Users can customize display content and style according to their personal preferences.

Conky is suitable for users who want to integrate system monitoring information directly into their desktop environment. Through the beautification configuration, Conky can perfectly blend in with the user's desktop theme.

6. Monitorix

Monitorix is ​​a lightweight Web system monitoring tool designed to monitor various system performance indicators.

https://www.monitorix.org/

Its features include:

• • Support multiple monitoring indicators : such as CPU, memory, hard disk, etc.

• • Graphical display of historical data : You can view the historical trends of various performance data.

• • Configure alerts : Send alerts when resource usage exceeds set thresholds.

Monitorix is ​​particularly suitable for server environments. Users can monitor system status at any time through the Web interface, making maintenance and management easier.

7. bpytop

bpytop is a resource monitoring tool written in Python that provides a visually attractive user interface.

https://github.com/aristocratos/bpytop

Its main features include:

• • Beautiful graphical display : Use colorful graphics to show system resource usage.

• • Detailed process information : Provides comprehensive information about running processes.

bpytop's modern interface is suitable for users who pursue visual effects, while also being practical, making it an excellent tool for monitoring system performance in a command line environment.

8. GNOME Usage

Although GNOME Usage is no longer actively maintained, it is still a simple and easy-to-use tool for monitoring system resource usage.

https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gnome-usage

Its main features include:

• • CPU, memory, and disk usage statistics : Display system resource usage in a concise manner.

• • User-friendly layout : easy to navigate and use.

GNOME Usage is for users who want a quick view of system resource usage but don't need complex features.