How to detect if a server is overloaded on Linux

Question

I would like to develop a "simple" script which should be automatically detect (every 5 minutes let say) if a server (in this case the same host on which it is running) is overloaded or not.

The server in question hosts a Web server (Apache) and a MySQL server.

I found some interesting resources related to this problem:

It's clear that before stating that a server is overloaded or not I should check several parameters, but how can I combine them? Which are the thresholds for each of these aspects?

In your opinion, what would be the "best" solution?

Thanks.

What is your end goal in knowing the server is under high load? — WerkkreW, Apr 06 '12 at 07:32
Only you can answer these questions based on your workloads and business requirements. — user9517, Apr 06 '12 at 07:39

score 3 · Answer 1 · answered Apr 06 '12 at 07:32

3

A server is overloaded when it cannot perform it's required functions in a timely manner. What counts as "required functions" and "timely manner" is defined by the person(s) responsible for the machine's operation, in consultation with the stakeholders of the service(s) provided.

answered Apr 06 '12 at 07:32

womble

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Yuck for the word stakeholders. I've been hearing it far too often at work recently. Otherwise, agreed. – dmourati Apr 06 '12 at 08:13
Would you rather be a steakholder? – Kyle Smith Apr 06 '12 at 11:23

How to detect if a server is overloaded on Linux

1 Answers1