Policy on UNIX find Command

• Users should never, ever run the find command starting at / under any circumstances. If you think you have a reason, contact the Science IT staff. In every case I have seen there are more efficient ways to do what you want. In fact, you should never run find to search any directories except your own.
• If you are looking for software, you should check out the Software page or use the trouble command to send a request for information to the staff. We will tell you where it is if we have it installed. If it isn't installed, you won't find it anyway.
• Using find / puts a tremendous load on the networks and all machines in the department. It not only takes forever (and almost never does what you want anyway), but it causes inconveniences for everyone else.
• Using find to scan the directories of other users (which you likely do when you start somewhere other than in your own directory) without their permission is considered anti-social behavior in our department, much like going through other people's desks or offices without their permission.

Contact Us: IT Staff
Last Updated: September 08, 2010 09:29AM