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Diffstat (limited to 'system/memtester/README')
-rw-r--r-- | system/memtester/README | 23 |
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diff --git a/system/memtester/README b/system/memtester/README new file mode 100644 index 0000000000..df134f1b2e --- /dev/null +++ b/system/memtester/README @@ -0,0 +1,23 @@ +memtester (memory test utility) + +memtester is a userspace utility for testing the memory subsystem for +faults. Unlike memtest86, it runs as a process on a running Linux system, +meaning it can't test all of memory the way memtest86 is able to... but +you don't have to reboot to use it. + +Note that, by definition, memtester counts as a denial-of-service +(resource exhaustion) attack against the local machine. Be cautious +about using it, and definitely *read its man page* before use. + +memtester has traditionally been run as root, so that it can lock the +memory it's testing to prevent swapping and remapping. However, it's +possible to use capabilities to allow it to run correctly as a normal +user. Use something like: + +# chown root:console /usr/bin/memtester +# chmod 0750 /usr/bin/memtester +# setcap cap_ipc_lock=ep /usr/bin/memtester + +This allows anyone in the "console" group to run memtester. You could +also create a memtester group and use it in the chown command above, +if you'd rather have more fine-grained control. |