Syslog from Windows

Syslog from Windows

Linux and Windows server administrators commonly need to view and monitor application, system and security logs. Of course, most of these logs in Windows servers are viewed in the aptly named Event Viewer, while most logs in Linux are just lines appended to simple ASCII text files by the syslogd service.

One thing I find very helpful is the ability to monitor Linux syslog messages from my Windows desktop in real-time. To accomplish this, I usually set up an old PC, or preferably use a dual-monitor configuration on my primary PC, so that I have plenty of screen space, then I use Putty to establish several ssh sessions (although telnet will also work) in different windows. Then I arrange the windows in some location where they're unlikely to be covered up by some other application.

Next, I run the "tail" command on several of the event logs. For example, if you want to monitor the "messages" log, you would type the command "tail –f /var/log/messages" into one of the windows. This will cause the contents of the file to be displayed on the screen, much as if you'd typed "cat /var/log/messages", except you don't get your prompt back. When the command reaches the end of file, it just sits there and waits. As soon as syslog puts another event in the file, it is immediately displayed in your window.

So browse through /var/log and decide which logs you want to monitor, then create one ssh session for each and run the "tail" command once in each window.

    Requires Free Membership to View

    Login

    When you register, my team of editors will also send you resources covering Linux administration and management; integration and interoperability between Linux, Windows and Unix; securing Linux and mixed-platform environments; and migrating to Linux.

    Cathleen A. Gagne, Senior Editorial Director

    By submitting your registration information to SearchEnterpriseLinux.com you agree to receive email communications from TechTarget and TechTarget partners. We encourage you to read our Privacy Policy which contains important disclosures about how we collect and use your registration and other information. If you reside outside of the United States, by submitting this registration information you consent to having your personal data transferred to and processed in the United States. Your use of SearchEnterpriseLinux.com is governed by our Terms of Use. You may contact us at webmaster@TechTarget.com.

This quickly creates a "network operations center" feel on your desktop, especially if you monitor logs from many servers.

If you work with a team of administrators all in the same room, consider dedicating an old PC to this task and swapping your monitor for a projector.

Thomas Alexander Lancaster IV is a consultant and author with over ten years experience in the networking industry, focused on Internet infrastructure.


This was first published in October 2003

Disclaimer: Our Tips Exchange is a forum for you to share technical advice and expertise with your peers and to learn from other enterprise IT professionals. TechTarget provides the infrastructure to facilitate this sharing of information. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or validity of the material submitted. You agree that your use of the Ask The Expert services and your reliance on any questions, answers, information or other materials received through this Web site is at your own risk.

Back to top