[Discussion] [Linux] Starting the move to MAC

[Felmon Davis]

On Sat, 21 Mar 2009, Jon wrote:

> On Sat, 21 Mar 2009 13:12:27 -0400 (EDT), Carl Gehr wrote:
> 
> >
> >Again, showing my ignorance:  What do you mean by 'runlevels'...?
> 
> runlevels define happens when linux starts.  The default is 5. If 
> you have a problem starting the GUI you can drop to a different 
> runlevel, and using text mode, perhaps fix the problem.  It's 
> probably not something to bother knowing about at this point and I 
> shouldn't have brought it up since it's also over my head.  It was a 
> factor when I decided to stick to Suse rather than try out Ubuntu.  
> I've never needed to switch the runlevel.

as I recall, OS/2 also had run-levels, at least you could boot to 
the wps or just to a command-line. there was also some kind of 'safe 
mode' like in Windows where few drivers get loaded. 

in Linux if your gui gets its knickers in a roll, you can boot to a 
command-line and do some repairs. there are other levels too, e.g. 
networking or no networking system loaded. 

one run-level shuts everything down so maybe we shouldn't call it a 
'run'-level!

I myself never warmed up to Ubuntu but I am overjoyed it is attracting 
so much notice.

F.

-- 
Dentist, n.:
	A Prestidigitator who, putting metal in one's mouth, pulls
coins out of one's pockets.
		-- Ambrose Bierce, "The Devil's Dictionary"