Before you begin: You need to have access to /samples/inittab. You should also check that the value for the -a option in the /etc/init.options file specifies enough time for the system initialization script to complete.

Perform the following steps to customize /etc/inittab.

1. Copy /samples/inittab to /etc/inittab. For example:

   cp /samples/inittab  /etc/inittab

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2. Add entries to /etc/inittab for system processes that you want to be started when the system is initialized. The sample file has an entry for inetd. You can add any other system processes to the file. Some examples are provided:
   • The following entry is defined in /etc/rc for starting the cron daemon:

     _BPX_JOBNAME='CRON' /usr/sbin/cron &

     You want to get the equivalent function using /etc/inittab. To do so, add the following entry to the /etc/inittab file:

      cron::once:/usr/sbin/cron 

     The first positional, the identifier, is CRON. This will assign the job name of CRON to the started process. You do not need to set _BPX_JOBNAME. The & at the end of the /etc/rc entry is not needed in the /etc/inittab file. The & indicates the process is to be started in the background and should be forked, ensuring it gets the job name specified by _BPX_JOBNAME. Starting the process from the /etc/inittab file ensures the started process gets the job name as the specified identifier.
   • To start cron the same way but with the additional function of assigning it the respawn capability, add the following entry to the /etc/inittab file:

     cron::respfrk:/usr/sbin/cron

   Guideline: For commands that are only run once (during initialization), consider keeping them in /etc/rc. Consider starting daemons (long-running commands that service user requests) from /etc/inittab.

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3. If you have an entry for /etc/rc, remove any command entry from /etc/rc that you have added to /etc/inittab.

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4. Save the file.

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When you are done, you have customized the /etc/inittab file.