Monitor resource folder size by month

Monitoring the size of a resource folder by month is a valuable practice for maintaining optimal disk space usage, auditing data growth, and forecasting storage needs. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you implement folder size monitoring on a monthly basis using various tools and methods, suitable for both Windows and Linux environments.

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Why Monitor Folder Size Monthly?

1. Prevent Storage Overruns
   Regular monitoring helps you catch abnormal growth early, avoiding storage overloads.

2. Audit and Compliance
   Track what data is being added for compliance with data governance policies.

3. Performance Management
   Helps maintain optimal system performance by ensuring resource folders do not grow unchecked.

4. Forecasting and Planning
   Monthly data allows for accurate storage trend analysis and future planning.

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Step-by-Step Guide for Windows Users

1. Using PowerShell Script

A simple PowerShell script can automate the tracking of a folder’s size each month.

powershell
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# PowerShell Script to Log Folder Size by Month
$folderPath = "C:YourFolderPath"
$logPath = "C:Logsfolder_size_log.csv"
$date = Get-Date -Format "yyyy-MM"
$size = (Get-ChildItem -Path $folderPath -Recurse | Measure-Object -Property Length -Sum).Sum / 1MB

# Log the result
$logEntry = "$date,$size"
if (!(Test-Path $logPath)) {
    Add-Content -Path $logPath -Value "Month,Size(MB)"
}
Add-Content -Path $logPath -Value $logEntry

Schedule Task Monthly:
Use Task Scheduler to run the script on the 1st of every month.

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2. Using Folder Properties or TreeSize

• TreeSize Free/Professional
  Provides GUI-based reporting with scheduled scans.

• Steps:

  • Schedule a scan in TreeSize.

  • Export reports in CSV or Excel format monthly.

  • Analyze trends with Excel charts.

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Step-by-Step Guide for Linux Users

1. Using Bash Script with Cron

bash
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#!/bin/bash

# Define the folder to monitor
FOLDER="/path/to/your/folder"
LOGFILE="/var/log/folder_size_log.csv"
DATE=$(date +"%Y-%m")
SIZE=$(du -sm "$FOLDER" | cut -f1)

# Append to log
if [ ! -f "$LOGFILE" ]; then
    echo "Month,Size(MB)" > "$LOGFILE"
fi
echo "$DATE,$SIZE" >> "$LOGFILE"

Make Executable:

bash
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chmod +x /path/to/script.sh

Add to Cron:

bash
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crontab -e

Add this line:

bash
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0 1 1 * * /path/to/script.sh

This runs the script at 1:00 AM on the first day of each month.

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2. Using du and Logging with Systemd Timers

If you prefer systemd over cron:

• Create a service and timer unit.

• Run du with your folder path.

• Log to system journal or append to a CSV file.

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Visualization and Analysis

1. Using Excel or Google Sheets

• Import your CSV file.

• Use pivot tables and line graphs to visualize growth over time.

2. Using Grafana with Prometheus or Telegraf

For more advanced needs:

• Install Telegraf to collect folder size metrics.

• Store data in InfluxDB or Prometheus.

• Visualize with Grafana using monthly aggregation queries.

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Best Practices

• Backup Logs: Store logs in a separate drive or cloud to prevent data loss.

• Retain Data for a Year: Keep at least 12 months of logs for proper trend analysis.

• Set Alerts: Configure alerts if folder size exceeds a certain threshold.

• Audit Changes: Periodically review folder contents to understand growth drivers.

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Use Cases in Production

1. Web Servers: Monitor uploads/ or cache/ folders to control disk usage.

2. Development Environments: Track node_modules, vendor, or build directories.

3. Database Backups: Monitor /var/backups to manage backup sizes.

4. Log Management: Track /var/log or application-specific log folders.

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Automating Reports and Notifications

• Email Reports: Configure your scripts to send email reports monthly using tools like sendmail (Linux) or Send-MailMessage (PowerShell).

• Slack Integration: Use webhooks to post size data into a Slack channel for your DevOps or SysAdmin team.

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Conclusion

Monitoring the size of resource folders by month is a proactive approach to managing storage, ensuring system reliability, and preventing unexpected outages. Whether using simple scripts or sophisticated monitoring solutions, automating this process saves time and adds transparency to your infrastructure operations.