computer: boot, getty, ksysv, start files: /sbin/init, /etc/inittab, /etc/init.d, /usr/share/doc/sysvinit Upstart.UBUNTU.com >>Upstart is an event-based replacement for the /sbin/init daemon which handles starting of tasks and services during boot, stopping them during shutdown and supervising them while the system is running. Unix.Schottelius.org/cinit >>cinit is a fast, small and simple init with support for profiles. initng is a new version that may be worth watching. UBUNTU Edgy will use Upstart to manage services