Identifying Active Services- A Comprehensive Guide to Checking Running Processes in Linux

How to Check Which Services Are Running in Linux

In the world of Linux, services play a crucial role in the smooth operation of the system. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, it is essential to know how to check which services are running on your Linux system. This knowledge can help you diagnose issues, manage resources, and ensure the optimal performance of your system. In this article, we will discuss various methods to check running services in Linux.

1. Using the Systemctl Command

The most commonly used command to manage services in Linux is `systemctl`. It provides a comprehensive list of running services and allows you to control their status. To check the running services, open your terminal and type the following command:

“`
sudo systemctl list-units –type=service
“`

This command will display a list of all services currently running on your system. The output will include the service name, its status, and other relevant information.

2. Using the Service Command

Another way to check running services is by using the `service` command. This command is a bit simpler than `systemctl` and can be used to list running services. Open your terminal and type:

“`
sudo service –status-all
“`

This command will provide a list of all services and their status. You can use the `-a` option to display all services, including those that are not currently running.

3. Using the Ps Command

The `ps` command is a versatile tool that can be used to list running processes, including services. To check running services using `ps`, open your terminal and type:

“`
sudo ps -e | grep service_name
“`

Replace `service_name` with the name of the service you want to check. This command will display all processes related to the specified service.

4. Using the Htop Command

Htop is a powerful interactive process viewer that provides a real-time overview of your system’s processes, including services. To check running services using Htop, open your terminal and type:

“`
sudo htop
“`

Once Htop is running, you can use the arrow keys to navigate through the list of processes. Look for services in the list, and you can even control their status by pressing the appropriate keys.

5. Using the Nmon Command

Nmon is a command-line performance monitoring tool that can be used to check running services. To check running services using Nmon, open your terminal and type:

“`
sudo nmon -f -c cpu,mem,load,service
“`

Replace `service` with the name of the service you want to monitor. This command will display the CPU, memory, and load statistics for the specified service.

In conclusion, checking which services are running in Linux can be done using various methods, such as `systemctl`, `service`, `ps`, `htop`, and `nmon`. These tools provide valuable information about the status and performance of your system’s services, enabling you to manage and optimize your Linux environment effectively.