Featured resource
2025 Tech Upskilling Playbook
Tech Upskilling Playbook

Build future-ready tech teams and hit key business milestones with seven proven plays from industry leaders.

Check it out
  • Lab
    • Libraries: If you want this lab, consider one of these libraries.
    • Cloud
Google Cloud Platform icon
Labs

Changing the Default Target of a System

Runlevels have changed significantly as Linux distributions have migrated from sysvinit to systemd. Understanding how runlevels are configured in systemd is paramount to successfully making that transition. After completing this activity, the student will have a firm understanding of how the new system 'targets' control the runlevels of your distribution.

Google Cloud Platform icon
Lab platform
Lab Info
Level
Intermediate
Last updated
Jun 07, 2025
Duration
30m

Contact sales

By filling out this form and clicking submit, you acknowledge our privacy policy.
Table of Contents
  1. Challenge

    Move New Target Into Appropriate Location

    The student will need to move the file called 'custom.target' to the appropriate system directory so that it can be used to set the new default runlevel.

  2. Challenge

    New Default Target File Permission Set Correctly

    The new 'custom.target' file will need to be in the proper system directory '/etc/systemd/system' and have the permissions of 744.

  3. Challenge

    The Default System Target is Set to the Custom Target

    Finally, the student will be setting the default system runlevel target to be the newly installed 'custom.target'.

About the author

Pluralsight Skills gives leaders confidence they have the skills needed to execute technology strategy. Technology teams can benchmark expertise across roles, speed up release cycles and build reliable, secure products. By leveraging our expert content, skill assessments and one-of-a-kind analytics, keep up with the pace of change, put the right people on the right projects and boost productivity. It's the most effective path to developing tech skills at scale.

Real skill practice before real-world application

Hands-on Labs are real environments created by industry experts to help you learn. These environments help you gain knowledge and experience, practice without compromising your system, test without risk, destroy without fear, and let you learn from your mistakes. Hands-on Labs: practice your skills before delivering in the real world.

Learn by doing

Engage hands-on with the tools and technologies you’re learning. You pick the skill, we provide the credentials and environment.

Follow your guide

All labs have detailed instructions and objectives, guiding you through the learning process and ensuring you understand every step.

Turn time into mastery

On average, you retain 75% more of your learning if you take time to practice. Hands-on labs set you up for success to make those skills stick.

Get started with Pluralsight