Run modes

Two run modes, configuration mode and operational mode, are available to allow for system configuration and maintenance and for daily operations.

When the system boots up, it initially runs in configuration mode. After initialization is complete, the run mode is changed to operational.

Configuration mode is used to maintain and recover the system. When the system is booted in single-user mode, the system is minimally configured and networking is disabled. Configuration mode is used for administration of critical, security-relevant parts of the system.

Operational mode is the standard system operating mode. The system changes to this mode after all tasks required to enter the default run level have been completed.

The system run mode can be displayed with the getrunmode command and can be modified with the setrunmode command.