Arch Linux

frazer

Member

Registered: 2013-12-09

Posts: 60

"Easily" understandable tool for a Newbie to review HDD activity?

Hello Forum,

I'm working my way around Arch, and Linux in general, but am getting a bit confused about how best to interpret HDD/SSD activity.

I have a USB3 HDD which I can put into standby - after 5 to 10 minutes it will 'spin up' again, and, I would like to be able to know where to look or which tool to run to be able to find out what is "?calling?" it.

It's also part of a bigger picture regarding SSDs and RAM Disks - I have posted about using RAM Disks and am still confused - I'm hoping that analysing what is causing my HDD to 'spin up' will lead to further all round knowledge of HDD/SSD I/O - maybe start to see the bigger picture with luck.

Can anyone suggest some good (reasonably easy to understand) tools and/or logs to start using/looking at that will help me find out what is happening regarding HDD/SSD activity?

Many thanks to everyone for any guidance.

Frazer

cafe

Member

Registered: 2014-03-20

Posts: 156

Re: "Easily" understandable tool for a Newbie to review HDD activity?

You could start with iotop.
I wouldn't call it a tool for a newbie, but it is fairly simple to understand.

Good luck in your quest!

frazer

Member

Registered: 2013-12-09

Posts: 60

Re: "Easily" understandable tool for a Newbie to review HDD activity?

Thank you very much cafe - I have downloaded that and will have a look later.

Anyone else have any recommendations please?

I'm all ears!!!

Thank you all.