The last command in Linux is a powerful tool used to display a list of the last logged-in users. It can help administrators and users alike track user activity on a system, making it essential for managing a VPS server. In this tutorial, we will cover the basics of the last command with eight practical examples to help beginners understand its usage. For reliable hosting, consider using windowsvps for your VPS server.

What is the last Command?

The last command reads from the /var/log/wtmp file to display the login history of users on a Linux system. This information can be crucial for security audits and user management.

Basic Syntax

The basic syntax for the last command is:

last [options] [username]

8 Examples of the last Command

1. 1. Display Last Logged-In Users: Simply run the last command to see the last logged-in users:

last

1. 2. Limit the Number of Entries: Use the -n option to limit the output to a specific number of entries:

last -n 5

1. 3. Show Specific User Login History: To view the login history for a specific user, add the username:

last username

1. 4. Display Reboot History: You can also view system reboots using the reboot keyword:

last reboot

1. 5. Show Hostname: To include the hostname in the output, use the <code-w option:

last -w

1. 6. Display Time in a Different Format: Use the -F option to show full login and logout times:

last -F

1. 7. Show Logins from Specific Time Period: Use the --since and --until options to filter logins:

last --since "2024-10-01" --until "2024-10-12"

1. 8. View Logins with TTY: To display the terminal used by the logged-in user, use:

last -a

Conclusion

Mastering the last command is essential for any Linux user, particularly those managing a VPS server. It provides valuable insights into user activity and system access, making it a key tool for system administration. For optimal performance and reliable hosting, consider utilizing windowsvps for your next VPS server setup.