What does the load average command show?

The load average command provides insights into the computer system's load over a specific period. Load average refers to the average number of processes that are either in a runnable state or waiting for CPU resources. Typically, it displays this data over three time intervals—often represented as values for 1 minute, 5 minutes, and 15 minutes. This allows users to assess how busy the system has been and helps understand its performance trends over time.

Additionally, the command usually includes system uptime, which indicates how long the system has been running without being rebooted. By observing both the load averages and uptime, administrators can better gauge overall system efficiency, identify potential bottlenecks, and make informed decisions regarding resource allocation.

While other options mention different types of system performance data, they do not reflect the specific purpose of the load average command, which is focused on processes in relation to CPU usage rather than network statistics, disk usage, or temperature history.