9.2.2. 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. Note that in order to use the utility, you must obtain superuser privileges first:

~]$ su -
Password:

To start the utility, type the following command:

~]# ntsysv

The ntsysv utility

Figure 9.3. The ntsysv utility

The utility displays the list of available services (i.e., the services from the /etc/rc.d/init.d/ directory) along with their current status and a description obtainable by pressing F1. See Table 9.3, “Possible service states” for a list of used symbols and an explanation of their meaning.

Table 9.3. Possible service states

Symbol	Description
*[]**	The service is enabled.
[ ]	The service is disabled.

9.2.2.1. Enabling the Service

To enable a service, navigate through the list using the Up and Down arrows keys, and select it with the Spacebar. An asterisk (*) should appear in the brackets. Once you are done, use Tab to navigate to the Ok button, and confirm the changes by pressing Enter.

Please, keep in mind that ntsysv does not actually run the service. If you need to start the service immediately, use the service command as described in Section 9.3.2, “Running the Service”.

9.2.2.2. Disabling the Service

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 should disappear. Once you are done, use Tab to navigate to the Ok button, and confirm the changes by pressing Enter.

Please, keep in mind that ntsysv does not actually stop the service. If you need to stop the service immediately, use the service command as described in Section 9.3.3, “Stopping the Service”.

9.2.2.3. Selecting the Runlevels

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

~]# ntsysv --level 35