What are log files?

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What are log files?

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Log files store errors and warnings generated by a Linux system. In Linux, the SYSLOGD and KLOGD utilities are used for logging errors and debugging messages. Log files help in tracking down these problems. Linux stores the logging configuration in the /etc/syslog.conf file. Log files are stored in the /var/log directory.

Following are some of the important log files:

• /var/log/messages: The kernel and system errors are written in this file. Administrators should check this file daily for warning messages.


• /var/log/wtmp: The time and date of user logins are written in this file. Suspicious activities of users can be tracked down through this file.


• /var/log/dmesg: The results of the last system boot is written in this file. It stores kernel messages that appear during the boot stage. This file helps in tracking down the boot time problems.

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