Tell me more ×
Unix & Linux Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for users of Linux, FreeBSD and other Un*x-like operating systems.. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 0 down vote favorite

I'm using backtrack5 R2 and sometimes when I log in the information showed says that There is 1 zombie process, where can I see what process is running?

share|improve this question

1 Answer

up vote 2 down vote accepted

Use ps command to watch currently running processes.

ps aux will give more verbose output. If the value in STATE column equal to Z, then you know it is a zombie process.

I don't think that zombie proccesses are included in bootstrap sequence on purpose. It's rather a shatter from another process. Maybe via ps command you will be able to figure out what it was exactly.

share|improve this answer
Thanks a lot, how can I know if the process should remain in there or if I kill it? – poz2k4444 Sep 17 '12 at 18:09
I never killed a zombie in my entire life. I don't think it should be a problem to have zombie processes. At least when their number is low. – akond Sep 17 '12 at 18:15
What do you mean for "the number is low"? – poz2k4444 Sep 17 '12 at 18:16
I am not sure about exact number, but if I'd had, say, 10 zombies I would not be bothered. So if you have just one, it's probably ok. – akond Sep 17 '12 at 18:18
1  
@poz2k4444 A zombie process is a normal thing, it happens sometimes. It's unrelated to security. You can't kill a zombie, it's already dead. – Gilles Sep 17 '12 at 23:52
show 4 more comments

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.