does any one have read a core dump?
is there any reader for that? or may i know what is the use of that core which takes sometimes memory in GBs?

A core dump is basically an image of what was in memory at the time a program crashed. Depending on the program, it can be big or small, but usually in the case of a machine with lots of memory, the core files would generally be bigger. (This is probably why your cores are GB in size) You could use adb to read the core, but you would have to know what you are looking for specifically. (Most people don't need to bother looking at core files)

thanks doeboy, can i get that "adb" anywhere?
can you point me to a location, since I am in need to understand the info in the core.
thanks

Is there any way to prevent core dumps from happening for a particular user only?

I get the odd core dump, but I don't have any reason to look at it.

However more of the users here need to be able to get at a core dump if it happens to them, is there any way I can prevent the computer saving core dumps for me alone?
Cheers!

__________________
regards,

-ghoti

The adb command is part of the UNIX install. It should be on the system already. Look at the adb(1) man pages for information.
Warning... iadb is not for the weak stomached...

As for limiting the size of a core dump, you can use "limit" or "ulimit" command to set the size limit on a core dump. Just place a line with"ulimit -c 0" or "limit coredumpsize 0" to your .profile or .cshrc script depending on what shell you use.

thanks doeboy, it makes a lot of sense to me.
i shall go through that.
cheers!

Also, if you're just wondering what caused the core file, you can check file for info...

$ file core