Chapter 3 Booting and Shutting Down the Server

This chapter explores the various states a server goes through during startup and shutdown procedures. We first examine the path a machine takes from the moment power is applied to a fully running system and how it can be shut down safely.

We also discuss the concept of runlevels and how they are used to control the various applications available on a server. We then explore the preparations required to facilitate system recovery should the server experience difficulties.

As with all things, it is best to start at the beginning: boot loaders.

Boot Loaders

A systematic chain of events is triggered when power is applied to a machine. Commonly, this is called cold booting or simply booting. As power ...

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