Tell me more ×
Ask Ubuntu is a question and answer site for Ubuntu users and developers. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 3 down vote favorite

Is there a log or software application for interpreting, e.g. /var/log/syslog* so that I can get statistics on system use?

I am interested in the frequency of use of a machine by different users; some statistics about the programs or resources used would also be helpful.

share|improve this question
what kind of information do you intend to gain by interpreting? Just read it like it is, and if you do not know what something means, google it. – Matt Dec 9 '11 at 18:41
It depends on what information you are looking for, there are several open source tools to choose from. I personally like logwatch linux-mag.com/id/7800 – bodhi.zazen Dec 9 '11 at 21:48
@Matt, a summary of, e.g. how many times user x has logged in, how long they were logged in, and what programs they executed. – David Dec 10 '11 at 3:58

1 Answer

up vote 2 down vote

Most likely you would need to configure your Syslog daemon to capture what your looking for and then use a log parsing tool such as logwatch or Sawmill. I included a couple of links that may help. I would recommend installing Syslog-NG and then using the front-end tools in the 'debianadmin' link below.

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/LinuxLogFiles

http://www.debianadmin.com/syslog-ng-web-interface-front-end-or-gui-tools.html

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.