> sort -t ','? -k 3,3 -k 4,4? file.log? # this will sort the file according to the DATE field as well as the Time fileld. > I'm stuck for the last 30 min to find a way to get the first line of each day (logically it'll be the earliest as i've sorted by date/time previously) once i know how to do this, i'll be able to compare time and proceed.. If you're not afraid of perl, the Date-Manip module allows comparing time and date, among other things. --------------------------------------------------------------- This message and any attachments may contain Cypress (or its subsidiaries) confidential information. If it has been received in error, please advise the sender and immediately delete this message. ---------------------------------------------------------------