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The /var contains data that is changed when the system is
running normally. It is specific for each system, i.e., not
shared over the network with other computers.
- /var/catman
-
A cache for man pages that are formatted on demand.
The source for manual pages is usually stored in
/usr/man/man* ; some manual pages might come with
a pre-formatted version, which is stored in /usr/man/cat* .
Other manual pages need to be formatted when they are
first viewed; the formatted version is then stored
in /var/man so that the next person to view the
same page won't have to wait for it to be formatted.
(/var/catman is often cleaned in the same way
temporary directories are cleaned.)
- /var/lib
-
Files that change while the system is running normally.
- /var/local
-
Variable data for programs that are installed in
/usr/local (i.e., programs that have been installed
by the system administrator). Note that even locally
installed programs should use the other /var directories
if they are appropriate, e.g., /var/lock .
- /var/lock
-
Lock files. Many programs follow a convention to
create a lock file in /var/lock to indicate that
they are using a particular device or file. Other
programs will notice the lock file and won't attempt
to use the device or file.
- /var/log
-
Log files from various programs, especially login
(/var/log/wtmp , which logs all logins and logouts
into the system) and syslog (/var/log/messages ,
where all kernel and system program message are usually
stored). Files in /var/log can often grow indefinitely,
and may require cleaning at regular intervals.
- /var/run
-
Files that contain information about the system that is
valid until the system is next booted. For example,
/var/run/utmp contains information about people
currently logged in.
- /var/spool
-
Directories for mail, news, printer queues, and other
queued work. Each different spool has its own
subdirectory below /var/spool , e.g., the mailboxes
of the users are in /var/spool/mail .
- /var/tmp
-
Temporary files that are large or that need to exist
for a longer time than what is allowed for /tmp .
(Although the system administrator might not allow
very old files in /var/tmp either.)
Next: The /proc filesystem
Up: Overview of the Directory
Previous: The /usr filesystem
Lars Wirzenius
Sun May 4 14:08:43 EEST 1997