colors in /var/log **SOLVED**

[Steven Vollom]

Art Alexion wrote:
> On Sun, Nov 23, 2008 at 5:11 PM, Steven Vollom
> <stevenvollom at sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>   
>>> Steven Vollom wrote:
>>>
>>>       
>>>> I am just learning how to use the terminal.  I wanted to see the health
>>>> of my system, but have never read a /var/log before.  There 31 entries
>>>> that are pink colored, 34 entries that are white, and 3 blue entries.
>>>> Is this just patriotic for me here in the USA, or does red indicate I
>>>> should be concerned, white not concerned and blue, external concerns?
>>>>         
>
> The color coding has nothing to do with the health of your system.
> The coding is supposed to show you what kind of files they are.  Try
> looking at other folders and see.
>
> I like the patriotic twist, though.
>
>
>   
>>>> cannot see how seeing this page can tell me the health of my computer,
>>>> unless the colors are the way.  How do I make my computer healthy?
>>>>         
>
> It isn't a page you are seeing, but a list of files in that directory.
>  Looking at the list will not help you with anything, except maybe
> learing the structure of the directory.
>
>
>
>   
>> the manual said viewing this location would tell me
>> if my system is healthy or not.  I took that to mean that problems would
>> be identified and potentially executable solutions would be available,
>> am I incorrect?
>>     
>
> Not so simple.  Looking at -- and  understanding -- the contents of
> the files stored there will help you.
>
> There are gui log viewers that help you parse out the raw logs and try
> to see patterns and make sense of them.  There are also utilities
> (command line), like logwatch, that can be configured to monitor the
> logs there and send you an email when things that might concern you
> happen.
>   
Thanks Art, good to hear your digital voice again.  I have missed you.  
I am having so much fun.  I am finally upward mobile on the learning 
curve.  It keeps me laughing with joy.  I hope all is perfect for you 
and yours.  Is configuring logwatch easy for someone like me or am I 
just inviting a new project?  Will it be answered when I begin 
understanding the manual, or is it pretty much advanced information?

Steven
>
>