USENIX LISA: Ted T'so Helps with System Crashes and Presents SystemTap
Linux kernel developer Ted T'so shared his know-how in a number of tutorials at the USENIX LISA conference in San Diego. One theme was getting first help for system crashes, and in the process, he took the opportunity to present SystemTap.
"Don't panic," thus the first advice from T'so in his presentation on hardware crashes. Never spare time with his second advice: "make backups!" T'so himself puts a lot of weight in scripts to secure data, but he also points to open source solutions like Amanda and Sync, or commercial variants like BRU and Arkeia. After presenting a few possible hardware catastrophe scenarios ("Linux hardware can do some pretty creative crashing"), T'so suggests looking for causes at the lowest level. "I apologize" he says, "but I have to admit that Linux error messages aren't among the most sysadmin friendly." His suggestion is to integrate kernel log messages into the search.
His first solution is to use the image backup as a way to rescue at least what's left. T'so suggests having a good handle on the material to help in resolving problems. One area is understanding hard disk partitions and Logical Volume Manager (LVM), where T'so spent some time in an overview on filesystem monitoring. His example of an effective file recovery system is e2fsck, part of the Linux ext filesystem. His encouraging conclusion was, if you know where the problem emanated and if you take the proper care, most data recovery will be successful.
During his afternoon session, Ted T'so, also representing the Linux Foundation, launched into presenting SystemTap, a new developer tool. The software package targets technical support folks who can use it to tap into Linux kernel data noninvasively. T'so points to its effectiveness even in its current early phases. He cautions against using any of the other tools currently shipped with products, especially the enterprise versions where updates are few and far between.
Detailed information on SystemTap is available in the Sourceware wiki, which includes an FAQ and advice pages. Upcoming versions of SystemTap should include a Script Toolchest, and the wiki contains informtion on it already.
Comments
comments powered by DisqusSubscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Gnome 47.1 Released with a Few Fixes
The latest release of the Gnome desktop is all about fixing a few nagging issues and not about bringing new features into the mix.
-
System76 Unveils an Ampere-Powered Thelio Desktop
If you're looking for a new desktop system for developing autonomous driving and software-defined vehicle solutions. System76 has you covered.
-
VirtualBox 7.1.4 Includes Initial Support for Linux kernel 6.12
The latest version of VirtualBox has arrived and it not only adds initial support for kernel 6.12 but another feature that will make using the virtual machine tool much easier.
-
New Slimbook EVO with Raw AMD Ryzen Power
If you're looking for serious power in a 14" ultrabook that is powered by Linux, Slimbook has just the thing for you.
-
The Gnome Foundation Struggling to Stay Afloat
The foundation behind the Gnome desktop environment is having to go through some serious belt-tightening due to continued financial problems.
-
Thousands of Linux Servers Infected with Stealth Malware Since 2021
Perfctl is capable of remaining undetected, which makes it dangerous and hard to mitigate.
-
Halcyon Creates Anti-Ransomware Protection for Linux
As more Linux systems are targeted by ransomware, Halcyon is stepping up its protection.
-
Valve and Arch Linux Announce Collaboration
Valve and Arch have come together for two projects that will have a serious impact on the Linux distribution.
-
Hacker Successfully Runs Linux on a CPU from the Early ‘70s
From the office of "Look what I can do," Dmitry Grinberg was able to get Linux running on a processor that was created in 1971.
-
OSI and LPI Form Strategic Alliance
With a goal of strengthening Linux and open source communities, this new alliance aims to nurture the growth of more highly skilled professionals.
prepositions
prepositions
I don't think so.