title: What is the difference between /etc/rc.local and ~/.bashrc?
body: <p>This is a linux related problem. I have searched around but did not get a good explanation.</p>
  
  <p>It seems to me that both file configure the setup when I log in, but is there any difference? I notice that there seems to be "some rule" in deciding what should go into two different files. For example, if I need to add a specific search path to $PATH, I should do it in ~/.bashrc. But if I decide to change some system setting, like</p>
  
  <pre><code>/sys/class/backlight
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>or</p>
  
  <pre><code>/sys/devices/cpu/cpu#/online
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>then I have to do this in /etc/rc.local, otherwise it will not work.</p>
  
  <p>Is it because these configurations can not differ between users?</p>
  
  <p>Thanks.</p>