What is the default run level when the system starts up in a graphical environment?

In a typical Linux environment, the default run level for starting up in a graphical environment is defined as run level 5. This run level is specifically configured to launch the graphical user interface (GUI), which includes user login screens and desktop environments.

When a system initializes with run level 5, it not only enables the graphical interface but also prepares networking and multi-user modes, allowing multiple users to log in and interact with the system simultaneously.

This setup ensures that users have a full desktop experience upon startup, complete with access to all graphical applications and services running in the background. While other run levels exist, such as for multi-user non-graphical mode (run level 3) or single-user mode (run level 1), run level 5 is specifically designated for graphical operations.

Understanding the concept of run levels is crucial for system administrators, as it helps in managing system states and controlling service availability during startup or shutdown processes.