Managing processes with systemd
Get It Started
Sure, you've heard about systemd, which is rapidly replacing the old System V init system as the go-to service management daemon for the Linux world. But what can you do with systemd really? We'll show you some tricks for improving security, managing processes, and analyzing boot times with systemd.
The systemd service management daemon now comes with Red Hat, Debian, Ubuntu, SUSE, Mageia, Gentoo, Arch, and many other Linux alternatives. You might say systemd has finally arrived, but many users still have questions about what it is and why it is different. This article offers some tips on what you can do with systemd.
If you're running a Linux system with systemd onboard, systemd controls and organizes the entire boot process, starting processes and providing information on how those processes are faring.
Why did the world need another way to start processes in Linux? The fact is, the old System V init service that systemd is replacing is showing some serious signs of age. For instance, System V init can only line up the processes in a strictly sequential and rigid order, as opposed to starting different services simultaneously. Additionally, System V init uses shell scripts that are verbose, but still slow and difficult to read. These init scripts are not really suitable for coordinating processes that run in parallel.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
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
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.
-
Linux Kernel 6.14 Released
The latest Linux kernel has arrived with extra Rust support and more.
-
EndeavorOS Mercury Neo Available
A new release from the EndeavorOS team ships with Plasma 6.3 and other goodies.
-
Fedora 42 Beta Has Arrived
The Fedora Project has announced the availability of the first beta release for version 42 of the open-source distribution.