[Cialug] difference between syslog and messages?

[Nathan C. Smith]

What are the differences between /var/log/syslog and /var/log/messages?  Is the messages log primarily for local system events or does it mean I have too many logging tools running?

I want to use logwatch and syslog-ng to create a logging host, I'm guessing I should point the logwatch at the syslog logs but I don't want to miss anything important on the host itself.

Tips (other than the harp pointy kind) and pointers are most welcome, thanks!

-Nate