Viewing Current Users

Linux provides commands to view users currently logged in and system status: who and w.

1. who Command

  • Purpose: Shows currently logged-in users, terminals, login time, and host info.

alt text

Column Description
USER Name of the logged-in user
TTY Terminal type; tty = local, pts = pseudo terminal (remote/login)
DATE Login date and time
HOST - Remote host name, domain, or IP (if applicable)
- (:number) Local graphical login shows
- No host info → Local command-line login

Options: | Option | Description | Example | |----------|-------------------------------------------------------|------------------------| | -b | Show last system boot time | who -b | | -r | Show current runlevel | who -r | | Combined | who -b -r | Shows boot time & runlevel |

2. w Command

  • Purpose: Provides detailed info about current users and system load. alt text
Column Description
USER Username of the logged-in user
TTY Terminal window in use
FROM Source of login (host or IP)
LOGIN@ Time of login
IDLE Time since last activity
JCPU Total CPU time for all processes since login
PCPU CPU time for the current process
WHAT Command/process currently running
  • who is for simple user check.
  • w gives detailed info, including system load and user activity.