Logging System Utilization Data on a Schedule with nmon

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Logging System Utilization Data on a Schedule with nmon

In this hands-on lab, we are going to use nmon to capture server performance statistics. The first step will be to connect to the server, install nmon, and confirm it launches. After the install has completed, we will create a log directory for nmon logging and make sure that we can write to the directory. Next, we will test the `nmon` logging command to verify it collects data and can write that data to the directory. The last step will be to create a cronjob to run the `nmon` command once a week at a specific time.

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Lab Info

Level

Beginner

Last updated

Sep 20, 2025

Duration

30m

Challenge

Install nmon and Confirm Functionality
- Use apt to install the nmon package.
- Launch nmon to confirm functionality.
Challenge

Create the Log Directory and Confirm Accessibility
- Create an nmon directory in your home directory for the log files.
- Confirm accessibility to the directory by creating a test.txt file using the touch command.
Challenge

Test the Logging Parameters and Confirm Log File Content
- Test the nmon logging command:
  
  Polling cycle: 5 seconds
  
  Repeat cycle: 2 times
  
  Log Directory: /home/cloud_user/nmon
- Confirm the file was created in the directory using the ls command.
- View the file contents using the cat command.
Challenge

Create a cronjob to Run the Command on a Schedule
- Crontab schedule: Every Tuesday, starting at 22:00 hours
- Data Collection Cycle: Every 60 seconds
- Repeat Cycle: 480 times (8 hours)
- Log Directory: /home/cloud_user/nmon

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