Configuration of _L_i_n_u_x_c_o_n_f startup Introduction 11.. PPuurrppoossee When Linux boots, _L_i_n_u_x_c_o_n_f displays a menu of available operation modes. The system will wait forever until the user selects one mode. This is not always acceptable. For instance, if a power failure occurs, one expects linux to boot by itself and come back to its normal state. Since Linux is a multitasking, multiuser OS, it can do quite a few useful things without someone sitting in front of it. 22.. TTaasskkss It is possible to select a default mode and a timeout. The timeout allows the operator to ``intercept'' the boot sequence and switch to another mode. Whenever a key is depressed, the timeout feature is deactivated. A timeout value of 0 means to wait forever.