Linux Format forums

Fat_Tuesday · Joined: Mon Oct 09, 2006 1:14 pm Posts: 77

Hi all,

This is happening in ubuntu 11.10 and Vista. My lappy randomly shuts itself down and the only thing I can think of is that it's overheating (in Vista I was gaming using Steam, in ubuntu I was playing Warsow). I can get some canned air to clean the cobwebs and clag out but was wondering if there's a system log in ubuntu that I could check that would be of any use?

Bruno · Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2012 6:32 pm Post subject:

Hi There,

I think most or all of the logs on a linux system are located in /var/log/. Have a look at this page for more info. I think for start-up and shut-down info, you need /var/log/messages. Does the laptop just switch off instantly or does it run through the shut-down procedure first?

BTW, comments on the accuracy of my reply from any more-seasoned geeks would be welcome as I'm still learning.

MartyBartfast · Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2012 8:52 pm Post subject:

Not sure what it will put in the logs, but /var/log/messages is the place to look.

You might be able to check the CPU temp by opening up a console in Ubuntu and doing

nelz · Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2012 12:12 am Post subject:

Doesn't Ubuntu use /var/log/syslog?

Anyway, the syslog may not have any temperature-related entries.I'd set up a cron task to send the output from sensors (part of lm_sensors) to a file every five minutes and look for any trends there.
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Fat_Tuesday · Joined: Mon Oct 09, 2006 1:14 pm Posts: 77

Thanks for the replies! Removing a ton of crap has cooled my lappy down loads and I'm now learning about cron jobs to keep an eye on whatever's left. Thanks again!