Software & Apps Linux Example Uses of the Command 'ps' The 'ps' utility reveals active processes on the computer by Juergen Haas Writer Former Lifewire writer Juergen Haas is a software developer, data scientist, and a fan of the Linux operating system. our editorial process Juergen Haas Updated on September 11, 2020 Tweet Share Email Linux Switching from Windows The ps command in Linux displays to the standard output a summary of currently active processes on the machine. Command and Switches The ps command supports several switches that modify its execution. -A, -e: All processes-a: All with TTYs (except session leaders)a: All with TTYs (including other users)-d: All except session leaders-N, --deselect: Negate selectionr: Only show the running processesT: All processes only on this terminalx: Processes, but without the controlling TTYs Uses of the 'ps' Command One value to running ps -ax is that you'll see the process ID of every command and program currently active on the computer. If you're dealing with a runaway process that's consuming too many resources, use the process ID to kill the program with something like: kill -9 [pid] Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Email Address Sign up There was an error. Please try again. You're in! Thanks for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. Thank you for signing up. Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit