How to Use kmon and What Key Bindings Does It Support

kmon is a terminal-based Linux kernel manager and activity monitor. You launch it from a shell, navigate the kernel module list with arrow keys or vim-style keys, and act on modules with single-key commands. The site documents an Installation section, a Usage section, and a Key Bindings section, but the excerpt provided here does not list the individual key bindings, so the exact key-to-action map below should be confirmed against the Key Bindings section of the project page or the in-app help before you rely on it.

What kmon does

The site describes kmon as a "Linux Kernel Manager and Activity Monitor." In practice that means it gives you a terminal UI for two jobs: viewing kernel activity and managing kernel modules. The page's background text explains that the kernel handles memory management, process management, device management, system calls, and security, and that applications reach it through system calls. kmon sits on top of that as a front end, so you can inspect and act on modules without typing lsmod, modprobe, and rmmod by hand.

Before you start

• A Linux system with a terminal.
• kmon installed. The site has an Installation section; follow it for your distribution or build method. Installation details are not in the excerpt, so check that section directly.
• Root or appropriate privileges for module operations. Loading and unloading modules is a privileged action on Linux; expect to run kmon with elevated rights when you intend to change module state, and treat read-only browsing as the safe default.

Basic usage

1. Open a terminal.
2. Start kmon from the shell.
3. The module list appears in the main view. Move through it with the navigation keys.
4. Select a module to see its details, or trigger an action such as load or unload.
5. Switch views to see kernel activity rather than the module list.
6. Quit when finished.

The Usage section on the site is the authoritative source for the exact launch command and any flags. The excerpt does not include those flags, so do not assume options that are not shown there.

Key bindings

The site has a dedicated Key Bindings section, which is where the full list lives. The excerpt provided does not reproduce that list, so the table below is a working framework, not a verified map:

Two things are safe to say from the page structure: kmon is keyboard-driven (there is a Key Bindings section, not a mouse guide), and the bindings are presented as a list you are expected to read before use. Check that section, or whatever in-app help kmon shows, for the real keys.

Verifying it works

• The module list renders and responds to navigation.
• Selecting a module shows its details.
• A view switch changes what is displayed without exiting.
• Quitting returns you cleanly to the shell.

If the list is empty or actions fail, the usual causes are missing privileges for module operations and a kernel or environment where the module interface is restricted. Confirm you are on a standard Linux system and re-run with the privileges the Installation section calls for.

Common sticking points

• Assuming keys from other TUI tools. kmon has its own Key Bindings section; do not carry over bindings from htop or similar.
• Unloading a module you need. Module changes affect the running system. Browse first, act second.
• Skipping Installation. The Usage section assumes kmon is installed per the Installation instructions; a partial install is the most common reason the tool will not start.

For the definitive key list and launch options, read the Usage and Key Bindings sections on kmon's page alongside this guide.