UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

Hi,
I'm new with UNIX. In fact I'm just an Oracle Apps programmer runs and maintaining the system in UNIX platform. I've got this question, what is the UNIX AIX 5.3 default temp directory. Is it /tmp or /var/tmp.

Additional to that I was noted that OS also created temp/swap files in this directory. If I am to cleanup the tmp files created by programs i.e oracle's, let say a week old, will it affected the OS performance or any other OS related files such as print spools or anything like that?

Thanks

/tmp is a directory for programs and sometimes users to put files in if there isn't some other place for them to go. I tend to put some of my scripts in it. I wouldn't delete anything from it unless you put it there and it isn't being used by some application or process.

As far as /var/tmp goes you need to understand what var is used for...in a very low level general sense of speaking it's where "various" system, application and hardware files are stored...especially those items that may be specifically created to run on the AIX system.
Again, don't delete anything unless you're sure it can be deleted without causing a problem.


If you clean out the right files in the proper manner...you won't affect anything other than drive space. Make a mistake and something might not run properly.

The oracle files you're wanting to clean up are probably under /oracle/home. Are you having a problem with space on a volume or something? Look for large log files that could be cleaned out...(not deleted)...using a cron job over night. Look for old oracle dev files that aren't being used any longer.