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LMDE 201403 Cinnamon 64bit

I've noticed when shutting down that there's an error message associated with Plymouth but I've never managed to read it. I'd like to know what it says. And if I can do anything to fix it.

Where do messages issued when shutting down get logged ? It seems dmesg, that I've been pointed to before, is only for bootup messages, but that may be incorrect. If it is incorrect, what is dmesg used for ?

In fact, is there a list of what the many and various log files that are in /var/log are used for ?

I've searched the forums, and come across mention of 'Log File Viewer'. As best I can see, it is not part of LMDE, at least it's not in the Menu. Nor can I find it in Synaptic Package Manager. Is this an obsolete program ? Or only applicable to Linux Mint versions other than LMDE ?

Lastly, and ironically, from the description of Plymouth in Synaptic Package Manager (which shows Plymouth is installed) it seems it may be the tool I am looking for to browse log files ! However, Plymouth is not in the Menu. How do I invoke it ? As the description says it is Graphical, I assume I don't invoke it in a terminal.

Ron

Hi ron_h,

In fact, is there a list of what the many and various log files that are in /var/log are used for ?

Fire up your favorite search engine and have a look for: linux logs description
You'll find plenty of information.

I've searched the forums, and come across mention of 'Log File Viewer'. As best I can see, it is not part of LMDE, at least it's not in the Menu. Nor can I find it in Synaptic Package Manager. Is this an obsolete program ? Or only applicable to Linux Mint versions other than LMDE ?

It's called "gnome-system-log" and you'll find it in Synaptic.

Lastly, and ironically, from the description of Plymouth in Synaptic Package Manager (which shows Plymouth is installed) it seems it may be the tool I am looking for to browse log files ! However, Plymouth is not in the Menu. How do I invoke it ? As the description says it is Graphical, I assume I don't invoke it in a terminal.

Plymouth is responsible for the splash screen (animation) you see when booting your computer. Basically, it hides all messages that would appear on your screen while booting. It's invoked automatically very early in the boot process. You don't start it yourself.

I've noticed when shutting down that there's an error message associated with Plymouth but I've never managed to read it. I'd like to know what it says. And if I can do anything to fix it.

I'm fairly sure Plymouth is stopped after syslogd so it's doubtful you'll find anything in the logs about your issue. Plymouth is one of the first things I remove when installing LMDE so I can't be 100% sure about that.

Hope this helps.

Thank you, yes it's helpful !

Fire up your favorite search engine and have a look for: linux logs description
You'll find plenty of information.

I was hoping there was the equivalent of some man pages or other 'standard' documentation although I hadn't found any. I'll do as you suggest.
UPDATE there are lists on www.thegeekstuff.com and www.cyberciti.biz along with a lot of other info about Linux

It's called "gnome-system-log" and you'll find it in Synaptic.

Many thanks, I did look in Synaptic but I was looking for Log File Viewer ... I have installed gnome-system-log, but it doesn't show up anywhere in the Menu. This may be too far off topic, but how do I determine if a package installed by Synaptic will turn up on the menu - or not - and where in the menu ? I expect It's obvious after a while
UPDATE It is now in the Menu. I was too impatient, I guess. Although System Log is not what I was looking for

I'm fairly sure Plymouth is stopped after syslogd

I would guess you are telling me that syslogd is what is logging messages issued in shutdown. I can't see a log called syslogd in /var/log although there is one called syslog. I can't see anything in syslog.1 which covers the time of the last shutdown, relating to Plymouth.

Basically, it hides all messages

Thank you for that. So Plymouth is why I only see spasmodic messages (2 or 3 groups during the boot process interspersed with a LinuxMint logo) while booting.

Ron