CompTIA Server+ (SK0-005)TroubleshootingMedium
A server administrator receives an alert that a critical Linux server's root filesystem is at 98% utilization. The server is hosting several web applications and a database. The administrator needs to quickly free up disk space to prevent service interruptions. Which of the following actions should the administrator perform FIRST?
- AMigrate some web application data to a new, larger disk.
- BIncrease the size of the root filesystem partition.
- CIdentify and remove old log files or temporary application data.
- DReboot the server to clear temporary files and caches.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Identify and remove old log files or temporary application data.
When a filesystem is nearly full, the most immediate and safest action is to identify and remove non-essential files like old logs, temporary files, or cached data. This provides quick relief without requiring downtime or significant configuration changes.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Migrating data is a more involved process and might require planning and downtime, not an immediate fix.
- B. Increasing partition size is a longer process and might require downtime; it's not the first, quickest action.
- D. Rebooting might clear some temporary files in `/tmp` but won't address persistent log growth or application data, and causes downtime.
Linux Disk Space Cleanup
The process of identifying and removing unnecessary files from a Linux filesystem to free up disk space.
- Common culprits: `/var/log`, `/tmp`, old package caches.
- Tools: `du`, `df`, `find`, `rm`.
- Prioritize non-critical, easily removable files.
Memory trick: When your disk is full, first 'sweep' out the 'trash', then consider 'growing' or 'moving'.