lighttpd access log

[Angelo Trivisonno]

Hey all,

I want to enable lighttpd's access log, so that I can gather data on how the LibraryBox resources are being used.  (http://redmine.lighttpd.net/projects/1/wiki/Docs_ModAccesslog)  However, I can't seem to find the lighttpd.conf file anywhere.  I figured I'd ask here before I really dedicate some serious time hunting for it.

Thanks!

[Matthias Strubel]

Hi,
you need to download that file:  http://downloads.openwrt.org/attitude_adjustment/12.09/ar71xx/generic/packages/lighttpd-mod-accesslog_1.4.30-2_ar71xx.ipk

Bring it to your box and install it

# opkg install -d ext lighttpd-mod-accesslog_1.4.30-2_ar71xx.ipk

The configuration is located in:

/opt/piratebox/conf/lighttpd/lighttpd.conf

Find those lines:
## for better debugging
#server.modules += ( "mod_accesslog" )
#accesslog.filename = "/opt/piratebox/tmp/access.log"

Change it to:
## for better debugging
server.modules += ( "mod_accesslog" )
accesslog.filename = "/opt/piratebox/tmp/access.log"

Maybe you want to store the access.log on the USB Stick, then change the filename line to:
accesslog.filename = "/mnt/usb/access.log"

best regards Matthias

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[Jason Griffey]

It bears saying that the reason that LibraryBox doesn't have logs by default is to protect the privacy of those connecting and downloading. Just be wary. :-)

Jason

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[Angelo Trivisonno]

Excellent advice as always.  Works perfect!

[Angelo Trivisonno]

Jason,

That makes sense.

My LibraryBox is being used at a library/school/orphanage in Rwanda, and we'd like to have data that we can share with donors about how students are using the LibraryBox as well as what pages, videos, music, etc. that they are accessing so that we can determine what content is helpful.  Also, we think this data will be helpful in securing grants to expand the use of LibraryBox in developing countries that lack reliable internet access, especially schools.  I've also installed a condensed version of Wikipedia, and using the included scripts (e.g., dl_statistics_counter.php) is difficult to implement.  I'll admit that our LibraryBox is heavily modified beyond what most LibraryBox users are probably doing.

Another interesting benefit with having logging enabled is that we can tell if rogue software/malware is running on our orphanage's library computers.  Just testing it on my own laptop revealed several applications trying to communicate with various servers (e.g., Apple iCloud, BTSync, Transmission, Dropbox, VPN software, etc.).  We've discovered that teachers at our school have been taking our laptops home with them after the school day and installing various software without permission.  Having logging enabled may help us pinpoint malware running on our laptops attempting to phone home.

Logging is definitely not suited for all deployment scenarios, but these instructions are incredibly helpful for our organization's situation.  Thanks again Jason and Matthias!

Best,
Angelo

[Jason Griffey]

Agreed, for your use, it's definitely needed. I'm glad the project is being used robustly by your organization!

Jason

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/librarybox/e0bc9295-4af7-454e-9407-cc08d60099c5%40googlegroups.com.