Configure network services to start automatically at boot

Kila is a RHEL Sysadmin at Red Hat.

• Her RHEL Server: RHEL_Server_743
• Her username: kila.seaver
• Her professional expectation: good RHEL Sysadmins NEVER run Linux commands as root
• Her task: Configure network services to start automatically at boot

Kila has just been promoted to the position of Director of Training at Red Hat. She will direct the spinning up of a RHEL Sysadmin Training Program (RSTP) that will guide each employee through 5 layers of certifications:

1. CompTIA Linux+
2. LPIC 1, 2 and 3
3. LFCS
4. RHCSA
5. RHCE

Kila is currently working the LFCS Training material. She has compiled ther 64 LFCS exam objectives, and she is currently building the course material for this objective: Configure network services to start automatically at boot.

Please generate an explanation for this objective. The explanation should include the history of Linux network services, and example commands that will help to illustrate this learning objective.

Objective: Configure network services to start automatically at boot.

Explanation: Configuring network services to start automatically at boot is a crucial aspect of managing a Linux system. Network services are programs or daemons that enable communication and provide network functionality. These services are responsible for handling network requests, managing network connections, and enabling various network-based functionalities on a Linux system.

History of Linux network services: In the early days of Linux, network services were typically started manually by executing commands or scripts after booting the system. However, as Linux distributions evolved, they introduced mechanisms to automate the startup of essential network services during the system boot process. These mechanisms ensure that critical network services are available as soon as the system starts, enhancing system functionality and enabling network communication from the beginning.

Example commands for configuring network services to start at boot:

1. systemctl enable <service-name>:

   • This command enables a network service to start automatically at boot using systemctl. Replace <service-name> with the name of the specific service you want to enable. For example, to enable the Apache web server service:
   • systemctl enable httpd

2. chkconfig <service-name> on:

   • The chkconfig command allows you to manage services and their startup configuration. Use the on option with <service-name> to configure a network service to start at boot. For instance, to enable the SSH service:
   • chkconfig sshd on

3. update-rc.d <service-name> defaults:

   • For systems using the SysVinit initialization system, the update-rc.d command is used to manage service startup configuration. The defaults option configures the service to start at boot. For example, to enable the MySQL service:
   • update-rc.d mysql defaults

These commands illustrate how to enable various network services to start automatically at boot. By configuring network services to start during the boot process, administrators ensure that essential network functionality is available immediately after system startup, contributing to a smooth and reliable network environment.

Kila can explain the significance of automatically starting network services at boot to ensure seamless network functionality. She can provide examples and demonstrate the usage of relevant commands to help the participants understand the process and prepare for the LFCS exam objective related to configuring network services at boot.