1. Purpose

The network operation mode is selected either at boot time using askrunlevel (called automatically) or any time, using the "netconf --runlevel" command.

Basically, Linux can operate in three different modes, network-wise.

• Standalone (local) mode. This mode is selected when no network adapter is installed. It might be selected to save on RAM used. This mode configures the loopback interface, allowing you to do minimal "local" networking (which is a good way to practice without bugging system administrators).
• Client mode. In this mode, only the minimal daemons necessary to access the network are started. While minimal, the inetd daemon is activated, allowing your computer to provide some services, such as telnet.
• Server mode. All daemons configured will be started.