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Optimize Linux System Performance with Tuned: Tweak Your System Effortlessly!

ByMuhammad Imanudin Posted on

If you’ve ever felt your Linux system slowing down or becoming unresponsive, don’t rush to blame your hardware! Before upgrading your RAM or SSD, try Tuned — a Linux tool that optimizes system performance with minimal configuration. Here’s how it works!

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A virtual machine, gasping for air, desperately seeking more power as it runs around in, trying to keep up with all the demanding applications and tasks thrown way, finally collapses in a heap binary exhaustion.

What is Tuned?

Tuned is a background service (daemon) that dynamically adjusts Linux kernel settings, CPU behavior, disk I/O, and other parameters based on predefined profiles. It’s perfect for users who want to boost speed or save power without diving into manual configurations.

Key Features of Tuned

  1. Pre-Built Profiles: Tuned offers dozens of optimization profiles for various use cases:
    • throughput-performance: Maximizes speed for servers.
    • powersave: Reduces power consumption for laptops.
    • latency-performance: Minimizes delays for real-time apps.
    • virtual-guest: Optimizes settings for virtual machines.
  2. Adaptive Tuning: Automatically adjusts settings based on workload.
  3. Custom Profiles: Create your own profiles if the defaults don’t fit.

Install & Use Tuned

Step 1: Install Tuned

Open your terminal and run the command for your distro:

Fedora/RHEL/CentOS:

sudo dnf install tuned

Ubuntu/Debian:

sudo apt install tuned

Step 2: Enable the Service

sudo systemctl enable --now tuned

Step 3: Choose a Profile

List available profiles:

sudo tuned-adm list

Activate a profile (e.g., throughput-performance):

sudo tuned-adm profile throughput-performance

Step 4: Verify

Check the active profile:

sudo tuned-adm active

Popular Profiles in Action

For Laptops:

sudo tuned-adm profile powersave

(Extends battery life, slightly reduces performance).

For Database Servers:

sudo tuned-adm profile latency-performance

(Speeds up heavy queries).

For Virtual Machines:

sudo tuned-adm profile virtual-guest

For Virtual Machines:

sudo tuned-adm profile virtual-guest

(Optimizes I/O and memory for VMs).

Create Custom Profiles

If default profiles don’t fit your needs, build your own!

Create a profile directory in /etc/tuned/:

sudo mkdir /etc/tuned/my-custom-profile

Add a tuned.conf file:

sudo nano /etc/tuned/my-custom-profile/tuned.conf

Define your settings. Example:

[main]  
include=throughput-performance  

[sysctl]  
vm.swappiness=10

(Combines throughput-performance with lower swap usage).

Activate your profile:

sudo tuned-adm profile my-custom-profile

Pro Tips

Choose Wisely: Match profiles to your workload. Avoid throughput-performance on laptops to save battery.

Monitor Results: Use tools like htop, iostat, or vmstat to track performance changes.

Reset to Default:

sudo tuned-adm profile balanced

Final Thoughts

With Tuned, you can transform your Linux system into a speed demon or a power-saving champion in just a few commands. Best of all, it’s lightweight and beginner-friendly! Experiment with profiles or craft custom ones — your old laptop might just feel new again.

Want to dive deeper? Check out the official Tuned documentation. 🚀