Comments on: UNIX Load Averages Explained

By: Peter

Peter — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:49:32 +0000

Well, it’s a start. Many claim to explain the LALALA, but most will just say what it is. This note tries to explain what it means: the 1 minute average may tell you what the current load is and combined with the 5 or 15 minute load, you see a trend. But why would you need all three?

By: Patrick

Patrick — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:26:22 +0000

That’s all I needed to know!

Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

By: kamalx

kamalx — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 22:42:35 +0000

So nicely explained, thanks very much
Always wondered what these numbers meant.

By: s2man

s2man — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 10:23:30 +0000

aravind,

It’s an average. That’s how you get .29 processes.

By: aravind

aravind — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 12:07:56 +0000

hi all,

i have one doubt with the uptime output. As per the load average it shows like 3.29. What should i have to understand with the “3.29″. Is it means 3.29 numbers of process?? if it is how could we mention the process number in a dotted format?? Pls be specific of the 3 and 29.

Thanks in advance
Aravind

By: nurzati

nurzati — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 07:51:45 +0000

thanks for the easy to understand explaination!

By: kstar

kstar — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 21:14:08 +0000

That was very useful. I probably never understood this before.

By: karuna

karuna — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 06:01:06 +0000

Informative and helpful! Thanks!!

By: Peter Upfold

Peter Upfold — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 13:45:47 +0000

Thanks for the explanation – I always wondered exactly what those numbers could tell me.

I’m also happy to say that my Linux machines appear to be doing fine.

By: Electric Elf’s blog » Unix load average explained

Electric Elf’s blog » Unix load average explained — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 16:46:25 +0000

[...] Днес възникна въпроса “какво представляват load average в линукс, като числа”. Ето тук е обяснено: http://www.lifeaftercoffee.com/2006/03/13/unix-load-averages-explained/ [...]