Checking steps
- Run vmstat 1 30 and note the slowdown time. The first CPU and I/O report reflects time since boot; later reports cover each interval. Process and memory fields are instantaneous.
- Compare r with the logical CPU count and check whether id stays near zero. Observe sustained b and wa increases and record st.
Act on the results
Brief queueing indicates competition at that moment. Assess multiple samples aligned with the slowdown and check bandwidth separately; this command does not establish an individual user’s download speed.