Operation
When operating top, the two most important keys are help ('h' or '?') and quit ('q') key. Alternatively, you could simply use the traditional interrupt key ('^C') when you're done.When you start top for the first time, you'll be presented with the traditional screen elements: 1) Summary Area; 2) Message/Prompt Line; 3) Columns Header; 4) Task Area. There will, however, be some differences when compared to the former top.
- Highlighting
Summary_Area:
There is no highlighting for load/uptime and only values are highlighted for
other elements.
Task_Area: Tasks running (or ready to run) will be highlighted, and bold is only one way of emphasizing such processes.
- Content/Labels
Summary_Area:
The program name is shown, perhaps a symlink or alias.
The Cpu(s) state label hints at other possibilities.
The memory stats use a lower case 'k'.
Columns_Header: Will show a new field and some changed labels. More new fields will be found as you customize your top.
Note: the width of top's display will be limited to 512 positions. Displaying all fields requires a minimum of 160 characters. The remaining width could be used for the 'Command' column.
Important: Use the man command (% man) to see how a command is used on your particular computer.
All commands:
Linux/Unix Command Library
Shell Command Library
