Using Sys-snap

Resource shortages can feel overwhelming and impossible to track down without adequate data to diagnose the problem. Servers inevitably have problems when their system administrator is not watching. 

Sys-snap is designed to help you see what is causing the resource shortages, whether CPU or memory-related, even when no one is looking.

Here, we outline how to use Sys-snap, a diagnostic tool that logs up to 24 hours of resource usage data.

Related Article

Install Sys-snap
Parse Old Sys-snap Data

Gather Data

IMPORTANT: This solution will require root access. If this needs to be obtained, follow the guide on requesting root access.
NOTE: Sar (sysstat) should be used in tandem with Sys-snap to narrow down the times or time intervals of spikes in resource usage.
TIP: Take a look at GitHubs article about Sys-snap for more information.

Gather Data

1. SSH into the server as root
   
2. Manage sys-snap as needed
   
   • Check if sys-snap is running with sys-snap.pl --check 
   • Start sys-snap with sys-snap.pl --start
     NOTE: This will archive data currently in /opt/imh-sys-snap/system-snapshot/.
   • Stop sys-snap with sys-snap.pl --stop
3. Use sys-snap to display the desired information
   • Print basic resource usage sorted by users
   • Print detailed output
   • Print IP connections during a time range