[ Thanks to Raul
for this link. ]
“Derived from AT&T’s “System V” Unix, the Linux init
process is designed to control the startup and shutdown of system
services, or “daemons.” Similar to Safe Mode in Windows 95/98,
the init process allows for different startup configurations or
“runlevels.””
“The init process affords us a great deal of flexibility and
functionality by providing:
- Simplified administration – Services are controlled in a
consistent manner, from a centralized location. - Customization – Each runlevel can be customized to provide
distinct start up configurations. - Troubleshooting – Administrators can use the various runlevels
to resolve startup and shutdown issues.”