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Using Performance Co-Pilot to Collect and View System Performance Data

In this hands-on lab, you will be using `Performance Co-Pilot` (`pcp`) to monitor a lab system. As part of the lab, you will install `pcp` with some additional packages. You will configure `pmlogger` to ensure logging is configured correctly, then use the `pcp atop` command view system utilization and process activity. Finally, `pminfo` and `pmdumptext` to view system system metrics. *This course is not approved or sponsored by Red Hat.*

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Labs

Path Info

Level
Clock icon Advanced
Duration
Clock icon 45m
Last updated
Clock icon Aug 26, 2025

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Table of Contents

  1. Challenge

    Install Packages and Start Services

    1. Install the PCP, pcp-zerconf, and pcp-system-tools packages.
    2. Enable and start the pmcd and pmlogger services.
      • Confirm both services are running as expected.
    3. Configure pmlogger.
      • Run the pmlogconf utility.
      • Review the prompts and complete the configuration using a base configuration.
      • Once the configuration is complete, cycle the pmcd and pmlogger services.
    4. Start local system services.
      • evotl
      • evodd

  2. Challenge

    Investigate System Utilization, Resources, and Processes

    1. Use pcp atop command to view utilization details and processes.
      • Launch pcp atop.
      • Sort the view by memory usage and identify the process using the most memory.
      • Sort the view by CPU usage and identify the process using the most CPU time.
      • Monitor the CPU and memory metrics in the upper section of the output.
    2. View available metrics using pminfo.
      • View the full list available metrics.
      • Filter list of available metrics and locate the following values:
        • free and used memory
        • free and used swap
      • Use pminfo to display point in values for the metrics identified above.
        • Review the information provided and make note of the values.
    3. Use pmdumptext display specific metrics.
      • Create a custom view on a 2-second refresh cycle, using the following metrics:
        • kernel load
        • memory used and free
        • swap used and free
      • Review the information and make note of the values.

  3. Challenge

    Stop the Local Services and Monitor the System Again

    1. Stop the evotl and evodd services.
    2. Launch pcp atop.
      • Review the memory and CPU utilization data.
      • Confirm system utilization reduction with the services stopped.
    3. Use pmdumptext to review the same metrics.
      • Confirm system utilization reduction with the services stopped.
Pluralsight Skills - Labs - Pluralsight
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Pluralsight Skills

Pluralsight Skills gives leaders confidence they have the skills needed to execute technology strategy. Technology teams can benchmark expertise across roles, speed up release cycles and build reliable, secure products. By leveraging our expert content, skill assessments and one-of-a-kind analytics, keep up with the pace of change, put the right people on the right projects and boost productivity. It's the most effective path to developing tech skills at scale.

What's a lab?

Hands-on Labs are real environments created by industry experts to help you learn. These environments help you gain knowledge and experience, practice without compromising your system, test without risk, destroy without fear, and let you learn from your mistakes. Hands-on Labs: practice your skills before delivering in the real world.

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Follow along with the author’s guided walkthrough and build something new in your provided environment!

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