Access Apache Log Files

SmarterStats > Installation and Configuration

SmarterStats supports many different log file types for importing site logs, including multiple Apache formats. These types of logs are usually accessed via FTP, which can be done when adding a new site or editing a site's configuration. FTP connections can be made using standard or secured FTP (using SFTP or FTPS). 

Follow these steps to add a site with Apache logs:
  1. Log in to SmarterStats as the system administrator.
  2. Click on Sites icon.
  3. Click New in the navigation pane. The site settings will load in a new window.
  4. Click the Options tab and complete all of the required fields.
  5. Click the Log Analysis tab and change the Log Location field to FTP. Adjust the FTP Connection Type to the connection that should be used. (The ability to connect using secured FTP is available in versions 11.x and newer.) Complete the remaining fields. (In versions 7.x and older, it is necessary to define the proper Apache log format in the Log Format field.) 
  6. Click Save.
NOTE: When logging into most Unix like systems via FTP, the user will have access to only his home directory; ie.. /home/username. Apache usually writes its logs to a restricted location such as /var/httpd/logs/ or something similar, so you will normally have to copy access_log to the user's directory periodically via script. Creating a unique file name for each copy is recommended, preferably by date. For example, access_log.8.17.05.
 
All other site settings are optional. For more information on these settings, refer to the Adding a Site section of the SmarterStats Online Help.
 

Learn more about how SmarterStats can help you make sense of your website analytics.

Article ID: 2446, , Modified: 4/15/2024 at 9:12 AM

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