Comprehensive Guide to Apache Log File Access using Smarter Stats

Smarter Stats supports various log file types for importing site logs, including multiple Apache formats, which are typically accessed via FTP when adding a new site or editing a site configuration, using standard or secure FTP (SFTP or FTPS).

a) How do I access Apache log files in Smarter Stats ?

1. First, log into Smarter Stats as an administrator.

2. Then, click the sites icon.

3. After that, click “New” in the navigation pane to load site settings in a new window.

4. Next, click  “Options” tab and fill in all the required fields.

5. Then, navigate to the Log Analysis tab, change the Log Location field to FTP, adjust the FTP connection type (secure FTP is available in 11.x and later), and complete the remaining fields.

6. Finally, click Save.

Note: Unix-like systems log into users’ home directory via FTP. Apache writes logs to a restricted location, so users must periodically copy access_log to their directory via a script. It’s recommended to create a unique file name for each copy, preferably by date, like access_log. 8.17.05.