Huge log files

altor · 09-03-2003, 07:30 AM

My log files in /var/log has become so huge as 350 meg.

I succeeded in reducing them (copying on them /dev/null).

It seems to me that nothing "strange" was on them.

Now I ask how to manage in Mandrake 9.1. in order not to have again such a growth.

Thanks.

tangle · 09-03-2003, 08:17 AM

What is the computer used for? What is filling up the logs? If this happend in a short amount of time and the PC is not recieving a heavy traffic load, then there might be something really wrong. I would check it out, there are a few people here that know there sh_t when it come to security. So, look through your log file and see which ones are the biggest. Then look through then and see what is filling them up.

Try logrotate, it should come with Mandrake.

MasterC · 09-03-2003, 08:19 AM

Hi

You'll wanna see about using a tool called 'logrotate':
http://www.topology.org/linux/logrotate.html

It may also very well be on your install CD's.

Cool

aqoliveira · 09-03-2003, 08:36 AM

Hi

Have u checked if cron is disbaled. Normally it cleans out some files on a periodic basis. If it is enabled then run a crontab to clean out the files or enteries not needed.

I would maybe suggest a back up of these log files before deleted for security reasons. Maybe try in bzip2 the files and mv them temporally to another dir, then maybe rm the files. This can all be done via the cronttab.

Cheers

altor · 09-03-2003, 08:40 AM

Many thanks for yours replies.

My box is "just for fun" trying to understand linux. The log became so big since I installed mdk 9.1 (bigin of may).

I'll try to understand if there is something wrong and look for logrotate. If I find something new I'll let you know

Thanks again.