Adequate system logs are an administrator's first line of defense against problems and security compromises.
Linux applications and the kernel itself record system-log messages in a consistent, easily accessible format.
To quickly resolve system problems, you need to understand the purpose and content of each logfile.
In this module, you will investigate Linux's logging directory and the standard system logfiles and application-specific logs stored there.
You will learn how to access recent kernel messages and how to examine a typical logfile so you can quickly catch and fix problems.
You will see how to administer, configure, maintain, and monitor the system logs so you don't miss security, hardware, or software problems.
After completing this module, you will be able to
List logfiles for troubleshooting
Display recent and old kernel messages
Examine system logs' contents for significant events
Configure the system log
Describe the Red Hat Linux method for rotating logs
Monitor logs with logwatch
The next lesson lists the logfiles required for troubleshooting.