An enormously useful utility that puts a Linux style information into the Menu Bar of the OSX window. Let me show you some screenshots of how it works:

The Final Menu Bar

Once installed and configured your menu bar will look something like this:

Now I have at-a-glance information about CPU, Memory, Disk IO and Network IO. Useful for when I have a slow or badly performing application, I can quickly tell which resource is running slowly.

Configuration

The software installs as a System Preference Pane.

Drop Down Menus

All of the Menu Items have drop down menus that provide even more useful information.

CPU

Although I tend to use the Activity Monitor to show which applications are CPU Hogs, the graph view showing the CPU history can be useful.

Memory

Want know which applications are using most memory on your system. Quick and easy display from the menu bar.

Network

Shows you the network utilisation of each interface. Very useful when checking of that TFTP upload is working or how much bandwidth a download is using.

Disk IO

I have discovered, for my system, that the HDD is slowest part and is constantly blocking my applications from performing faster. Can’t wait for SSD drives to get a bit larger so I can remove this bottleneck.

My Configuration

Some advice: try not to overload the toolbar with information. It distracts your attention and can create clutter. I have reduced my configuration to just the four key elements of system performance. I have dropped some screenshots on my configuration below.

For example, knowing the temperature of my CPU or HDD just isn’t relevant. I guess if you are having problems then turn it on, but otherwise, don’t use it. I also like keeping the CPU/Memory low and so haven’t installed the software that collects temperature sensor data.

CPU Status

Memory Status

Disk Status

Disk Activity

Network Activity

Etherealmind’s view

I regard this software as a must have for understanding how your system is performing. I have been using for three years and have had no problems with compatibility or performance. It’s mostly identical to similar tools available on Linux.

You can download it for free from iSlayer’s website

My Menu bar looks like this

This is one of a series of articles that look at my Menu Bar after colleague asked what software I am using.