GD/JANET/TECH/008 (10/10)

Logfiles are one of the most useful tools in detecting and investigating problems with computer systems and services. Logs can provide information about system faults and misuse as well as early warnings of problems. This Technical Guide discusses the logs that should be kept, the conditions under which they should be held, the types of questions they may be required to answer and some of the uses to which they may be put. It is concerned mainly with logging of activity on computers, whether they act as clients, servers or proxies. Direct logging of activity on networks is not covered.