Knowing how to properly reboot a Linux system is a critical part of system administration and maintenance. Whether you're applying updates, troubleshooting issues, or scheduling maintenance windows, using the right command ensures a safe and reliable reboot.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most common Linux reboot commands—reboot, shutdown -r, and init 6—and help you choose the right one based on your scenario.
1. The reboot Command
Description
The reboot command is one of the simplest ways to restart your system. It gracefully shuts down processes and reboots the machine.
Example
reboot
You’ll need appropriate privileges (e.g., sudo) to run this.
When to Use
- After installing updates or new drivers
- When the system becomes unstable and needs a fresh start
⚠️ Notes
- Save your work! All running applications will be terminated.
- For remote servers, ensure no critical jobs are running and notify users before rebooting.
2. The shutdown -r Command
Description
The shutdown command is more versatile. The -r flag specifically tells the system to reboot. You can schedule immediate or timed reboots.
Examples
Reboot immediately:
shutdown -r now
Reboot after 1 hour:
shutdown -r +60
Reboot at a specific time (e.g., 5:30 PM):
shutdown -r 17:30
When to Use
- For scheduled maintenance during off-peak hours
- When you need to notify users in advance
⚠️ Notes
- Use correct time formats to avoid unintended reboots
- Always save important data and inform users beforehand
3. The init 6 Command
Description
The init command switches the system's runlevel. Runlevel 6 triggers a reboot.
Example
init 6
When to Use
- In older Linux systems using SysVinit
- In specialized environments where init levels are still relevant
⚠️ Notes
- Not recommended on modern systems that use
systemd - Check your init system (
ps 1) before using this
Command Comparison
| Command | Simplicity | Flexibility | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
reboot |
✅ Simple | ❌ Low | Fast, no-frills reboot |
shutdown -r |
⚠️ Medium | ✅ High | Scheduled or controlled reboot |
init 6 |
❌ Obsolete | ❌ Low | Legacy systems or old distros |
Recommendation
- For quick reboots: Use
reboot - For scheduled reboots: Use
shutdown -r - For legacy systems: Use
init 6only ifsystemdis not present
Bonus: Secure Your Linux-Based Web Server
If your Linux server is running web services, rebooting is just one piece of the puzzle. Protecting your applications from attacks is equally important.
SafeLine WAF is a free and open-source Web Application Firewall designed for modern deployments. It helps mitigate:
- SQL injection
- XSS
- Bot traffic
- RCE attempts
It’s lightweight, easy to install via Docker, and perfect for developers and security teams alike.
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