Log file reading
 

I am trying to read some log files in /var/log which appears to be in binary format (or at least unreadable with vi). I know there are programs which will translate these log files for you in X Windows but I only logon to my server with an ssh session. Is there any way to read these files from the command line? Maybe there is some perl script or other utility that will allow me to view the contents of these file from the command line? Thanks.

If it's wtmp: try "last", if it's .*acct files: try "sa", if it's Snort Unified format: try "barnyard", and if it ain't one of these run "file" on the file in question and post the results.

The file command lists the file as "ISO-8859 text, with no line terminators". None of the commands listed seem to allow me to view it.

Sigh. And the filename is...

...completely and and totally irrelevant. I told you the file format just as you asked. I also have found the answer from another, less sarcastic source.

I also have found the answer from another, less sarcastic source.

Your fellow LQ members would like to thank you for contributing to the community. *Thanks* for posting the answer. Outstanding.