9 Useful w Command Examples in Linux

The `w` command is a fundamental tool in Linux used to gather information about the users currently logged into a system and their ongoing activities. It provides a snapshot of user-related data, including login times, terminal types, and running processes.

In this article, we will explore nine useful examples of the `w` command in Linux.

1. List `w` Command Output Without Header

To display the `w` command output without header information, use the `-h` option:

w -h

The `-h` option instructs the command not to print the header.

W command Examples

2. Ignore User Name

To ignore the user name while obtaining information about current processes and CPU times, use the `-u` flag:

w -u

The `-u` flag disregards the username in the output.

W command Examples

3. Check `w` Command Version

To check the version of the `w` command, use the `-V` flag:

w -V

The `-V` flag displays version information.

W command Examples

4. Display `w` Command Output in Short Format

To view a shorter version of the `w` command output without login time, JCPU, and PCPU times, use the `-s` flag:

w -s

The `-s` flag enables the short format.

W command Examples

5. Display IP Address in `w` Command Output

To display IP addresses instead of hostnames in the `FROM` field, use the `-i` option:

w -i

The `-i` option shows IP addresses instead of hostnames.

W command Examples

6. Toggle `FROM` Field

The `-f` option toggles the display of the `FROM` field in the `w` command output:

w -f

The `-f` option toggles the printing of the remote hostname field.

W command Examples

7. Display Output in Old Style

To view the `w` command output in old-style format, use the `-o` flag:

w -o

The `-o` flag prints blank space for idle times less than one minute.

W command Examples

8. Display User Output

To check the activity of a specific user, use the username as an argument:

w username

Replace “username” with the desired user’s name.

W command Examples

9. Check Other `w` Command Options

To explore additional options available with the `w` command, use the `–help` flag:

w --help

The `–help` flag provides information about all available options for the `w` command.

W command Examples

In conclusion, the `w` command in Linux offers a variety of options to customize the output and gather specific information about user activity on the system. Understanding these options allows system administrators and users to tailor the command to their needs.

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