Bugtraq mailing list archives

Re: wtmpx utility for solaris


From: casper () HOLLAND SUN COM (Casper Dik)
Date: Wed, 1 Apr 1998 10:29:07 +0200


It seems like Solaris uses wtmpx for the continous logging. wtmp is used
for the accounting system, and is removed evry night if accounting is
running.


Just to make sure that there's not too much confusion on wtmp vs wtmpx
and utmp vs utmpx, this is how it works;

        wtmp - old SYSV style wtmp files (see utmp.h), keeps record
               of all log in/log outs
        wtmpx - eXtended version of wtmp: adds hostname and extends other
                records (32 char user vs 8 char user, 32 bit pid vs 16 bit
                pid)  See utmpx.h

wtmp and wtmpx record the same information in parallel (the routines
that update them update both)  wtmp if for backward compatibility.

Wtmp will go away.

Casper



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