Viewing Service Logs in Linux

Libraries: If you want this lab, consider one of these libraries.
Cloud

Viewing Service Logs in Linux

Working with system logs is one of the most common tasks a Linux service administrator performs. Knowing where to find these logs and how to parse them into just the information you need saves time and effort in troubleshooting and resolution. In this hands-on lab, we will practice pulling data from the logs of a web server.

Get started Contact sales

Lab Info

Level

Beginner

Last updated

Aug 04, 2025

Duration

45m

Challenge

Attempt to `curl` the Address on the Local Host
1. Run the following command:
  
  curl -I localhost
Challenge

Determine How Many Times 10.0.1.10 Has Accessed the Website
1. Run the following command:
  
  sudo cat /var/log/httpd/access_log | grep -E "^10.0.1.10" | wc -l
Challenge

Attempt to Reach the Web Server via `http://PUBLIC_IP/index.html`
1. Run the following command:
  
  sudo tail -f /var/log/httpd/access_log
2. Attempt to reach the website via public IP (not 10.0.1.10) from your computer as http://PUBLIC_IP/index.html.
Challenge

Find the New Entry in the Log
1. Run the following command to view the entry that was appended to the end of the log:
  
  sudo tail -f /var/log/httpd/access_log
  
  Note the "200" after "HTTP/1.1"; this signifies a valid destination.
Challenge

Attempt to Reach the Web Server via `http://PUBLIC_IP/server.html`
1. While running tail on the access log, attempt to reach the /server.html path:
  
  curl http://PUBLIC_IP/server.html
  
  Note the 404 status code; this signifies the path did not resolve to a valid page.

About the author

Pluralsight Skills

Pluralsight Skills gives leaders confidence they have the skills needed to execute technology strategy. Technology teams can benchmark expertise across roles, speed up release cycles and build reliable, secure products. By leveraging our expert content, skill assessments and one-of-a-kind analytics, keep up with the pace of change, put the right people on the right projects and boost productivity. It's the most effective path to developing tech skills at scale.

Real skill practice before real-world application

Hands-on Labs are real environments created by industry experts to help you learn. These environments help you gain knowledge and experience, practice without compromising your system, test without risk, destroy without fear, and let you learn from your mistakes. Hands-on Labs: practice your skills before delivering in the real world.

Learn by doing

Engage hands-on with the tools and technologies you’re learning. You pick the skill, we provide the credentials and environment.

Follow your guide

All labs have detailed instructions and objectives, guiding you through the learning process and ensuring you understand every step.

Turn time into mastery

On average, you retain 75% more of your learning if you take time to practice. Hands-on labs set you up for success to make those skills stick.