issue(4) — File Formats
NAME
issue − Issue identification file
DESCRIPTION
The /etc/issue file is a freely formatted ASCII file. If present, the getty program reads this file and writes its contents to any terminal spawned or respawned from the /etc/inittab file prior to writing the login prompt string specified in the /etc/gettydefs file.
If the /etc/issue file is present and the /etc/issue.net file is not, the telnetd daemon reads this file and writes its contents over a new telnet connection prior to starting the login dialog.
Use this file to store messages that are longer than the message field for entries in the /etc/gettydefs file.
Note
You must be aware of the size limits of all potential output devices as you create /etc/issue messages. Some devices (for example, small screens) might not hold the messages you enter into the file and will truncate the messages.
FILES
/etc/issueSpecifies the path name for the file.
RELATED INFORMATION
Commands: getty(8), telnetd(8).
Files: issue.net(4).