Debian Reference
Chapter 9 - Tuning a Debian system

This chapter describes only the basics of system configuration through a command-line interface. Before reading this chapter you should read Debian System installation hints, Chapter 3.

If you are concerned about security then you should read the Securing Debian Manual which comes in the harden-doc package.

9.1 System initialization

Debian uses the System V init script system. See The init program, Section 2.4.1 for an introduction.