File Size Limits and Number of Files Open
File Size Limits and Number of Files Open
Copyright(c) Management Analytics, 1995 - All Rights Reserved
Copyright(c), 1990, 1995 Dr. Frederick B. Cohen - All Rights Reserved
Problem:
File sizes are limited by the operating system to prevent
runaway files and limit domination of resources. In systems with
inadequate disk space, it is common for users to preallocate large
amounts of space for themselves using large files. When system space
is low, they can free space for themselves as required.
Prevention:
The real solution to this problem is to provide sufficient space
for the users on your system. This will make it unnecessary for them
to protect themselves from denial of services.
Detection:
The Df program can be run to check on the available file space,
and the `du' program can be used to generate a recursive listing of space
utilization.
Cure:
If insufficient space is available, you should consider clearing
temporary storage areas and log files. If this doesn't yield enough
space and purchasing additional space is not an option, you should
consider other alternatives. A listing the space used by each user,
sorted by most space first and posted for all users to see may induce
social pressure for space reduction. Automated programs to look for
andor delete automatically generated files such as `core', and
intermediate compilation files can help reduce space. Replacing
`spaces' with `tab' characters in some text files can save large
amounts of space. A file compression system can be used to compress
infrequently accessed files. These files can also be moved off-line
in some cases. Many other options are possible.