Log files are important tools for tracking down issues and getting more information on your website and how it is accessed.
Several types of log files are accessible by you through various means.
Apache
Apache error logs are the most common place you will be able to troubleshoot scripting errors, 403 errors, 500 errors, and missing or incorrectly linked pages.
You can access the Apache logs for your server by following the instructions here:
- Accessing Apache Logs
Once you are viewing your Apache logs, you can see where some of the errors lie. This article gives you some insight into the types of errors you will see and what they mean:
- Reading Error Logs
FTP
FTP logs will show the addition, removal, and editing of files done by the FTP user you are viewing the log of. This is helpful if you are attempting to track down who made a content change. FTP log files can be accessed using the method described here:
- FTP Logs
Access logs
Access logs are a list of the visitors your site gets. They are often compiled information into various charts and graphs by programs such as AWstats but the raw data can also be accessed:
- Using AWstats
- Accessing Raw Logs
Email logs keep track of all incoming and outgoing mail. This can help identify blacklists, spam attacks, confirm that email was sent correctly even if the recipient didn't receive it, as well as several other functions that email utilizes. Detailed information on how best to retrieve email logs for your account can be found in this article:
- Email Logs
