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.