CPU load monitoring

How can I monitor CPU usage from the command line? I've issued the 'uptime' command and that gives me the results:

Code:

load average: 0.14, 0.11, 0.09

... but I don't understand what that means. Are those figures out of a maximum of 1? 1 meaning the system is under heavy load? Also, why are there three figures?

Thanks

 

Have you used top or htop?

htop might need installing, I've attached a screenshot.

 

That's an awesome util. Thanks

 

Yeah, I love htop. So much nicer than the usual top command. But if you're still curious about the load average figures, have a look here: Life After Coffee » UNIX Load Averages Explained