An introduction to systemd
All Systems Go
Wondering what all the fuss is about systemd? We explain the basic concepts and capabilities of the new system management suite – coming soon to a distro near you.
Some people swear by systemd [1], the new systems and services manager. Others swear at it – loudly and frequently. However, now that systemd is starting to be installed by default in most major distributions, you probably need to begin to familiarize yourself with at least its basic concepts, including its basic commands and how it handles runlevels, logs, and starting and stopping systems.
To be sure, the latest version of Debian lets users install without systemd by using preseed [2] or adding an argument at the boot menu [3], but at that point learning systemd seems easier than avoiding it. Additionally, that option may not be available in future releases.
If you have not been following the controversy about systemd, you may wonder what the fuss is about. After all, systemd is generally summarized as a replacement for init [4], the process that controls other processes. Ubuntu's replacement for init, called upstart [5], did not meet with anything like the same opposition, so why should systemd?
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Framework Laptop 13 Pro Competes with the Best
Framework has released what might be considered the MacBook of Linux devices.
-
The Latest CachyOS Features Supercharged Kernel
The latest release of CachyOS brings with it an enhanced version of the latest Linux kernel.
-
Kernel 7.0 Is a Bit More Rusty
Linux kernel 7.0 has been released for general availability, with Rust finally getting its due.
-
France Says "Au Revoir" to Microsoft
In a move that should surprise no one, France announced plans to reduce its reliance on US technology, and Microsoft Windows is the first to get the boot.
-
CIQ Releases Compatibility Catalog for Rocky Linux
The company behind Rocky Linux is making an open catalog available to developers, hobbyists, and other contributors, so they can verify and publish compatibility with the CIQ lineup.
-
KDE Gets Some Resuscitation
KDE is bringing back two themes that vanished a few years ago, putting a bit more air under its wings.
-
Ubuntu 26.04 Beta Arrives with Some Surprises
Ubuntu 26.04 is almost here, but the beta version has been released, and it might surprise some people.
-
Ubuntu MATE Dev Leaving After 12 years
Martin Wimpress, the maintainer of Ubuntu MATE, is now searching for his successor. Are you the next in line?
-
Kali Linux Waxes Nostalgic with BackTrack Mode
For those who've used Kali Linux since its inception, the changes with the new release are sure to put a smile on your face.
-
Gnome 50 Smooths Out NVIDIA GPU Issues
Gamers rejoice, your favorite pastime just got better with Gnome 50 and NVIDIA GPUs.