How to interpret readings using TOP command?
 

Hi,

I am using Linux as my OS and using TOP command to measure the system performance.

From the readings using the TOP, I have observed the following
(1) The used memory increase significantly from 7% to 99% over sometimes? Is there a sign of memory leak? Does OS play a part in used memory? Will system performance be affected? Will system crash due to 99% used memory?
(2) What is the difference between Memory Buffers and Cached?
(3) From the readings, it was observed that Buffers readings decrease, whereas Cached readings increase over time. Any idea why?
(5) Should TOP be used to take readings for system performance (memory & CPU usage)? What is the recommended method to take readings?

Whereas, my applications only consume a bit of memory and CPU.

Thanks!
regards
Tracy

Start with this.
As for whether "top" is the tool for this, probably not. Try sysstat for history collection.

man top
man sysstat
cat /proc/meminfo