Note: Dolphin is a file manager for the KDE desktop environment, not native to Ubuntu (which defaults to GNOME). However, you can use Ubuntu system monitoring tools to track Dolphin’s performance (e.g., CPU/memory usage) or enhance Dolphin with plugins for file-specific monitoring.
To monitor Ubuntu system resources (CPU, memory, disk, network) that Dolphin relies on, use these tools:
htop: An enhanced version of top with a user-friendly interface, color-coded processes, and mouse support. Install via sudo apt install htop and run with htop. It shows real-time CPU/memory usage and process-level resource consumption—ideal for identifying if Dolphin is consuming excessive resources.vmstat: Displays virtual memory statistics (CPU utilization, memory usage, disk I/O). Run vmstat 2 5 to show stats every 2 seconds for 5 iterations. Helps diagnose memory/disk bottlenecks affecting Dolphin’s responsiveness.iostat: Monitors CPU and disk I/O (read/write speeds, IOPS). Install with sudo apt install sysstat, then run iostat -c -d 4 to display CPU stats (-c) and disk stats (-d) every 4 seconds. Essential for identifying disk-related slowdowns when using Dolphin.glances: A cross-platform tool showing CPU, memory, disk, network, and process stats in one view. Install with sudo apt install glances and run glances for a real-time dashboard. Supports remote monitoring via web interface.netdata: A lightweight, real-time monitoring tool with a web UI. Install via docker run -d --name netdata -p 19999:19999 --network host netdata/netdata, then access http://localhost:19999 in a browser. Tracks system metrics and alerts for anomalies.gnome-system-monitor: Ubuntu’s default system monitor (preinstalled). Access via “Activities” > “System Monitor” to view processes, resources, and file usage. Useful for basic monitoring of Dolphin’s resource impact.Conky: A highly customizable lightweight monitor. Install with sudo apt install conky, then configure ~/.conkyrc to display CPU/memory/disk stats on the desktop. Ideal for keeping an eye on system health while using Dolphin.To monitor file operations (e.g., recycling bin status, file transfers) within Dolphin, use its built-in plugin system:
Run sudo apt install dolphin-plugins to enable additional features. Restart Dolphin afterward.
check_recycle_bin.sh) to check the recycling bin status:#!/bin/bash
RECYCLE_BIN="$HOME/.local/share/Trash/files"
if [ -d "$RECYCLE_BIN" ] && [ "$(ls -A "$RECYCLE_BIN")" ]; then
notify-send "Recycle Bin Alert" "Recycle bin is not empty."
fi
chmod +x check_recycle_bin.sh) and add it to the Dolphin service. Schedule it via cron (e.g., crontab -e to run every minute).These tools and methods help you monitor both Ubuntu system performance (impacting Dolphin) and Dolphin-specific activities (e.g., file operations). Choose based on your needs—command-line tools for detailed analysis or graphical tools for quick checks.