Using ServerDensity to monitor a slice

You have a number of options for monitoring your slice. Commercial services like ServerDensity can be easier to set up and maintain than free monitoring applications.

Introduction to dig

Made DNS changes? Not sure if they are correct? Don't want to wait for the changes to propagate before discovering a small typo?

No problem. Using the common but often ignored command 'dig', we can query DNS servers for records, specify records and even specify which DNS server to query.

System monitoring with top

Using 'top' will give a real-time overview of what is using system resources on your Slice.

Easy configuration and a simple interface allow you to change the emphasis of the summary. For example, choose to concentrate on CPU use or memory use.

Memory management with free

Basic monitoring should be done on a regular basis. This keeps you informed as to the general condition of your server and may warn of impending problems.

This article concentrates on memory management using the command 'free'.