How do I monitor resource usage on my dedicated server?

Intoduction

Your dedicated server’s performance depends on available resources. Regular monitoring ensures your applications and websites run smoothly. You can use built-in operating system tools, server control panels, or third-party monitoring software to keep track of resource usage.

Methods to Monitor Resource Usage

1. Using Server Control Panels

If your server uses a control panel (such as cPanel, Plesk, or Webmin):

Log in to your control panel.
Navigate to Server Monitoring or Statistics.
Review key resource metrics:
- CPU Usage – Processing load and activity peaks
- Memory Usage – RAM consumption vs. available memory
- Disk Usage – Storage allocation and file system usage
- Network Usage – Incoming and outgoing traffic levels

Tip: If supported, enable alerts to notify you of high CPU or RAM usage.

2. Using Command-Line Tools (Linux)

Monitor server resources directly through the terminal

CPU & Memory:-

Command:-

				
					top -c

Shows running processes, CPU load, and memory usage.
Press q to exit.

Or install and use:

				
					htop

A more user-friendly, color-coded system monitor.

Disk Usage

Check disk space with:

				
					df -h

The command displays disk space usage for all mounted filesystems in a human-readable format. It helps administrators quickly check available and used storage on a system.

Network Usage

Monitor live network activity:

				
					iftop

The command monitors real-time network bandwidth usage on a system. It shows active connections and data transfer rates, helping identify network traffic and bottlenecks.

3. Using Command-Line Tools (Windows Server)

Task Manager

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
Go to the Performance tab
View CPU, Memory, Disk, and Network usage

Resource Monitor

Open via Task Manager → Performance → Open Resource Monitor
Provides detailed per-process usage for all major resources

4. Using Third-Party Monitoring Tools

Nagios / Zabbix / Netdata

Real-time dashboards for all server metrics
Configurable alerts for threshold violations

Prometheus + Grafana

Advanced monitoring and visualizations
Ideal for multi-server or large-scale environments

Conclusion

Creating a hosting account on BigCloudy.com is quick and straightforward. By following the steps above, you can select the right plan, register or connect your domain, complete payment, and start managing your website instantly through cPanel or our custom dashboard. Get started today and launch your online presence with ease!

Need Help?

If you face any issues updating your nameservers or need further assistance, our support team is always available:

Email: support@bigcloudy.com
Submit a support ticket

FAQ

Why is resource monitoring important for a dedicated server?

Monitoring helps detect performance issues early, prevent server overload, and ensure applications run smoothly without unexpected downtime.

How often should I monitor server resource usage?

Basic monitoring should be continuous or daily, while in-depth checks are recommended during high traffic periods or after configuration changes.

Which tool is best for monitoring server resources?

The best tool depends on your needs. Command-line tools like top and htop are ideal for quick checks, while third-party platforms like Zabbix or Grafana are better for long-term monitoring and alerts.

Can high resource usage cause server downtime?

Yes. Excessive CPU, memory, disk, or network usage can slow down services or cause them to crash if not addressed promptly.

Is resource monitoring different for Linux and Windows servers?

The concept is the same, but tools differ. Linux relies more on command-line utilities, while Windows provides graphical tools like Task Manager and Resource Monitor.