Topics for lsof Paper Why? To look at open files with a consistent output interface, both readable and program-parsable, across many Unix dialects How? How variants: /dev/kmem Problems caused by dynamics Get proc structures in tight loop KERNELBASE /proc syssgi/sysi86 getproc/getuser pstat How problems Authorization /proc Swapped users Filters Built-in External (Field Output) Porting Special purpose additions -- i.e., -X Uses and Examples Watching ftp/rlogin transfers My lsofwho script Searching for TCP/IP listeners Watching a tape drive The Lsof Data Source Field output Terminators Lsof Alternatives crash ff fuser fstat ofiles