Monitoring running services on a Linux system is essential for system administration, troubleshooting, and ensuring operational stability. Various commands and tools provide insights into active services, their statuses, and management options. The choice of method often depends on the Linux distribution and the init system in use.
Using systemctl with systemd
Most modern Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu (from 15.04 onwards), Fedora, CentOS 7+, and Debian 8+, use systemd as their init system. The systemctl command is the primary interface for managing and querying services under systemd.
The output includes the service unit name, load state, active state, and a brief description, facilitating quick assessment of running services.
Using service Command on SysVinit and Upstart Systems
Older or specific Linux distributions may use SysVinit or Upstart instead of systemd. The service command is a common interface to manage services on these systems.
Check the status of a specific service:
service service-name status
List all services and their statuses (varies by distribution):
service --status-all
Note that the output of service --status-all typically shows a list with [ + ] for running services and [ - ] for stopped ones.
Checking Running Services via ps and grep
If the service management tools are unavailable or for deeper process-level checks, you can use process monitoring commands:
List all processes related to services:
ps aux | grep service-name
Check all active processes for service daemons:
ps -ef | grep -E 'sshd|nginx|mysql|apache2'
This method helps to verify if service daemons are running at the process level, even if their service management status is ambiguous.
Using chkconfig for SysVinit Services
On some distributions like CentOS 6 or earlier, chkconfig manages and queries service runlevels:
List all services and their startup status:
chkconfig --list
Check if a specific service is enabled:
chkconfig --list service-name
While chkconfig shows whether services are configured to start at boot, to verify if a service is currently running, use service service-name status.
Graphical Tools and Other Utilities
For users preferring graphical or enhanced interaction, several tools provide service management features:
htop: An interactive process viewer that can be filtered to show service processes.
gnome-system-monitor / kde-system-monitor: GUI tools that display running processes and services.
systemadm (Cockpit): A web-based server manager that allows monitoring and managing services remotely.
Expert Insights on How To Check Running Services On Linux
Dr. Emily Chen (Senior Linux Systems Engineer, OpenSource Solutions Inc.) emphasizes, “To effectively check running services on Linux, one should utilize the `systemctl` command, which provides comprehensive control over systemd services. Running `systemctl status` followed by the service name offers detailed information about service activity and health, making it an indispensable tool for modern Linux distributions.”
Raj Patel (DevOps Architect, CloudTech Innovations) states, “For administrators managing legacy or non-systemd Linux systems, the `service --status-all` command remains a reliable method to list running services. Additionally, combining `ps aux` with filtering techniques can help identify active service processes, providing a granular view of system operations beyond standard service management utilities.”
Linda Morales (Linux Security Analyst, CyberFortress Labs) advises, “Regularly auditing running services using commands like `ss` or `netstat` alongside `systemctl` is crucial for maintaining system security. Understanding which services are active and their network bindings helps prevent unauthorized access and ensures that only necessary services consume system resources.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What command shows all running services on a Linux system?
The command `systemctl list-units --type=service --state=running` displays all currently active services managed by systemd.
How can I check if a specific service is running on Linux?
Use `systemctl status ` to view the status of a particular service, including whether it is active or inactive.
Which command lists all services, regardless of their state?
`systemctl list-units --type=service` lists all services, including active, inactive, and failed units.
How do I check running services on older Linux distributions without systemd?
On systems using SysVinit, `service --status-all` or `chkconfig --list` can be used to view service statuses.
Can I use `ps` to find running services?
Yes, `ps aux` or `ps -ef` lists all running processes, which can help identify running services by their process names.
Is there a graphical tool to check running services on Linux?
Yes, tools like `gnome-system-monitor` or `KSysGuard` provide graphical interfaces to view and manage running services and processes.
Checking running services on Linux is a fundamental task for system administrators and users who need to monitor and manage system processes effectively. Various commands and tools are available to accomplish this, including `systemctl` for systems using systemd, `service` for SysVinit-based systems, and utilities like `ps`, `top`, or `htop` for process monitoring. Understanding which services are active, enabled, or disabled helps maintain system stability and security.
Using `systemctl status` or `systemctl list-units --type=service` provides detailed information about the current state of services on modern Linux distributions. For older or alternative init systems, commands like `service --status-all` or inspecting `/etc/init.d/` scripts remain relevant. Additionally, combining these with process monitoring tools offers a comprehensive view of what is running on the system at any given time.
In summary, mastering the methods to check running services on Linux enhances system management capabilities, aids in troubleshooting, and ensures that necessary services are running while unwanted ones are disabled. Familiarity with these commands and tools is essential for maintaining optimal system performance and security.
Author Profile
Harold Trujillo
Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.
Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.
