How to Configure Runlevel

A runlevel refers to the operating state (mode) of a Unix or Linux operating system. There are seven runlevels defined, numbered from zero to six. Runlevel zero halts the system, runlevel one places the system in single user mode, runlevel three places the system in multi-user mode, runlevel five provides an X-based log-in screen and runlevel six reboots the system. Runlevels two and four can be defined by the user. The "ntsysv" utility provides a text-based interface for configuring a new runlevel on the RedHat or Fedora Linux distributions.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• RedHat or Fedora Linux

1. Open a terminal window where you will type the following commands.

2. Type "su" to switch to the root user.

3. Type the command "ntsysv -level <number>" to bring up a runlevel configuration tool. You will use the tab key to navigate through the menu. Replace "<number>" with the number of the runlevel you want to configure.

4. Place an asterisk (*) next to the services that should be started in the new runlevel.

5. Click the tab button until you reach "OK" and press "Enter" to save the configuration.

Tips & Warnings

• Other distributions can use the "sysvconfig" utility to edit runlevels.

References

• Using ntsysv Tool to Check and Configure Runlevel Startup Services
• Init Runlevels