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12.2.2. Using the ntsysv Utility

The ntsysv utility is a command-line application with a simple text user interface to configure which services are to be started in selected runlevels. To start the utility, type ntsysv at a shell prompt as root.
The ntsysv utility

Figure 12.2. The ntsysv utility

The utility displays the list of available services (the services from the /etc/rc.d/init.d/ directory) along with their current status and a description obtainable by pressing F1. For a list of used symbols and an explanation of their meaning, see Table 12.3, “Possible service states”.

Table 12.3. Possible service states

SymbolDescription
[*] The service is enabled.
[ ] The service is disabled.

12.2.2.1. Enabling and Disabling a Service

To enable a service, navigate through the list using the Up and Down arrows keys, and select it with the Spacebar. An asterisk (*) appears in the brackets.
To disable a service, navigate through the list using the Up and Down arrows keys, and toggle its status with the Spacebar. An asterisk (*) in the brackets disappears.
Once you are done, use the Tab key to navigate to the Ok button, and confirm the changes by pressing Enter. Keep in mind that ntsysv does not actually start or stop the service. If you need to start or stop the service immediately, use the service command as described in Section 12.3.2, “Starting a Service”.

12.2.2.2. Selecting Runlevels

By default, the ntsysv utility only affects the current runlevel. To enable or disable services for other runlevels, as root, run the command with the additional --level option followed by numbers from 0 to 6 representing each runlevel you want to configure:
ntsysv --level runlevels
For example, to configure runlevels 3 and 5, type:
~]# ntsysv --level 35