What is an initscript service and how do I start and stop it?

Updated

Linux has several methods for running programs automatically, without direct input from a user. One of these methods is the Sys5 initscripts. Programs started by these initscripts are called initscript services or simply services.

Every initscript service has a name associated with it. You can get a list of the services installed on a system using the chkconfig command:

chkconfig --list

An initscript service can be setup to run, or not run, automatically when the system is booted:

chkconfig <service-name> on

will cause the service to start when the system is booted and

chkconfig <service-name> off

will cause the service to not be started when the system is booted.

The chkconfig command does not immediately start or stop a service, it only changes what happens to the service at the next reboot. To immediately start, stop, or check the current status of a service, use the service command:

   service <service-name> start
   service <service-name> stop
   service <service-name> status

For more information on the chkconfig command, see the chkconfig man page. For more information on SYS5 initscripts in general, see the documentation included in the initscripts RPM.

Tags
Article Type