The smartctl command

The smartctl command is a vital tool for Linux system administrators responsible for managing hard drives and storage devices. It is part of the Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology (S.M.A.R.T.) suite, which is built into most modern hard drives and solid-state drives (SSDs). The command enables administrators to access and interpret various attributes and health information of storage devices, providing insights into their overall health, performance, and potential issues. By using the smartctl command, administrators can proactively monitor the condition of their storage devices, detect signs of imminent failure, and take necessary action to prevent data loss and system downtime. This valuable information empowers system administrators to make informed decisions about storage maintenance, upgrade planning, and replacement strategies, ensuring data integrity and system stability.

We can retrieve the health and status of a storage device using...