What is Syslog?
Syslog is a message logging system which has become a staple of computing. A log is extremely valuable in computing as it provides a way for admins to track the operation of the system in order to spot problems and make corrections. Thanks to syslog, logging has become standardized and easy for those who work in IT to understand and interpret. To make it easier for syslog to work in a variety of environments, and to make it easier to work with, it has been standardized by the Internet Engineering Task Force.
Benefits of Tracking Log Files
When an organization does a good job of tracking log files, it can either avoid or quickly rectify errors with the operating system. That means less downtime and less loss, in the end. All log data is typically sent to a secure host which exists simply for the collection of that data. It would be incredibly time-consuming to manually work through log files looking for problems, which is why many tools have been developed to improve the efficiency of this task.
Syslog Prioritizations
Perhaps one of the most useful features of syslog is the ability of each message to convey a level of urgency that can be used by admins to determine which issues need to be addressed first. From emergency level issues on up to information and debug messages, the design of syslog makes it easy to sort through everything in a manner that leads to effective system management.