quota Linux Command Guide

The Linux quota command allows system administrators to manage disk quotas for users and groups. It enables setting limits on the amount of disk space users can consume, monitoring disk usage, and enforcing restrictions to prevent users from exceeding their allocated quotas. By using the quota command, administrators can effectively manage disk space usage on a Linux system, ensuring fair allocation and efficient utilization of resources.

quota Syntax:

quota [options] [username]

Options:

Option	Description
-g	Display group quotas
-v	Display a more verbose output
-q	Only display quotas that are over limit

Parameters:

Parameter	Description
username	Specifies the user to display quotas for

Caution

Take caution when using the quota command as it displays disk usage and limits, which might contain sensitive information. Use it responsibly and ensure proper permissions are in place.

quota Command Samples:

Display Quota Limits for User

quota -u username

Displays the quota limits for a specific user.

Display Quota Limits for Group

quota -g groupname

Displays the quota limits for a specific group.

Display Quota Limits for All Users

quota -a

Displays the quota limits for all users on the system.

Display Quota Status in a Human-Readable Format

quota -s

Displays the quota status in a human-readable format showing usage and limits.

Set Hard Limit for User’s Disk Usage

edquota -u username

Allows the system administrator to set a hard limit for a user’s disk usage.

Set Hard Limit for Group’s Disk Usage

edquota -g groupname

Allows the system administrator to set a hard limit for a group’s disk usage.

Remove Quota Limits for a Specific User

quota -x username

Removes quota limits for a specific user.

Tip

When using the quota command in Linux, make sure to run it with appropriate permissions, as regular users might not have the necessary privileges to view or modify quotas. It is recommended to use sudo or run the command as the root user to avoid any permission-related issues.

quota FAQ:

How do I check quota limits for a specific user?

To check quota limits for a specific user, use the following command:

quota -u username

How do I display quota usage for all file systems?

To display quota usage for all file systems, run the command below:

quota -av

How can I set a specific quota limit for a user?

To set a specific quota limit for a user, use the following command structure:

setquota -u username block-softlimit block-hardlimit inode-softlimit inode-hardlimit filesystem

How do I get a summary of quota information?

To get a summary of quota information, execute the following command:

repquota -as

How can I enable quotas on a specific file system?

To enable quotas on a specific file system, run the following command:

quotacheck -cug /path/to/filesystem

How do I remove quota limits for a specific user?

To remove quota limits for a specific user, use the command:

quota -x username

Applications of the quota command

• Monitoring disk usage
• Setting limits on disk usage
• Enforcing disk space quotas
• Generating reports on disk usage and quotas