vmstat

Report Linux virtual memory, CPU, swap, and I/O wait statistics.

6|1|Updated Feb 16, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/L3DigitalNet/Claude-Code-Plugins --skill vmstat
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: vmstat
Source: https://github.com/L3DigitalNet/Claude-Code-Plugins/tree/main/plugins/linux-sysadmin/skills/vmstat
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/L3DigitalNet/Claude-Code-Plugins --skill vmstat

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill provides detailed insights into your Linux system's memory usage, CPU activity, swap space, and I/O performance, helping you diagnose bottlenecks and performance issues.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Real-time Monitoring: Observe system statistics with configurable intervals.
  • Bottleneck Identification: Pinpoint issues related to memory pressure, I/O saturation, or CPU contention.
  • Use Case: When your server is sluggish, use vmstat 1 to see if high swap activity (si/so) or disk wait times (wa) are the cause.

Quick Start

Run vmstat with a 1-second interval to continuously monitor system statistics.

Frequently Asked Questions about vmstat

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I monitor Linux system performance for memory and CPU bottlenecks?

You can monitor Linux system performance by running vmstat with a 1-second interval to continuously observe virtual memory statistics, CPU activity, and I/O wait in a compact tabular format.

Why does my Linux server have high swap usage and slow disk response?

High swap usage and slow disk response are diagnosed by checking vmstat output for high swap activity (si/so) and disk wait times (wa), which indicate memory pressure and I/O saturation.

How do I check hypervisor CPU steal time on a Linux virtual machine?

To check hypervisor CPU steal time on a Linux virtual machine, use vmstat to report virtual memory statistics and CPU contention, revealing if the hypervisor is stealing CPU cycles.

Do I need the procps-ng package to monitor virtual memory statistics in Linux?

Yes, you need the procps-ng package installed on your Linux system to use vmstat for reporting virtual memory statistics, swap usage, and I/O wait.

Can I identify disk bottlenecks by monitoring I/O wait in Linux?

Yes, you can identify disk bottlenecks by monitoring I/O wait in Linux using vmstat, which reports disk saturation and system performance statistics in a compact tabular format.

What is the best way to continuously observe Linux system statistics for performance issues?

The best way to continuously observe Linux system statistics is running vmstat with a configurable 1-second interval, providing real-time insights into memory pressure, CPU activity, and I/O performance.