How do I setup my sytem to automatically login to an account everytime it starts up?

This sound like a NO, NO to me.
Way don't you explain exactly what and way you want to this?

Its not what you think... the computer is not connected to the internet or any other network. I am running a dual-boot system with macintosh and Mandrake. I configured, in mac, to have the computer startup automatically, during the night, to carry out a batch of mathematical calculations in Linux. Unfortunately, Linux needs a user to login before performing any such tasks.

Oh, not again, oh well what do you use as a login manager? KDM (defaults to KDE if not modified) or GDM (gnome by default if it is not modified)?
then it is a matter of configuring it. For GDM go to Gnome start menu->programs->system->GDM configurator enter root password when promted, in the left pane choose basic and in the Autologin tab fill in the blanks. For KDM in KDE startmenu go to Control Center, and there find login manager (just dig through Control Center - I am no fan of KDE neither GNOME, and I am too lazy to switch to KDE/GNOME for exact details , and you'll need to supply your root password when you click on modify)

Is it possible to perform this function in BlackBox? BTW--get over yourself.

Lets keep it clean please, most members here know the dangers of a auto login feature with Linux, were just trying to understand why you need this and are trying to watch your back for you.

I am letting it go this time, and I am answering the question, if you are using a graphical login and it is GDM run as root in Xterm gdmconfig, for KDM you will need to go to KDE and then work your way through Control Center.

auto login in linux refers to loginin without a password, which can be configured using the kde control center

Hello!
I've a liinux stand alone system. In that i want to login automatically when i boot the system. I don't need the "startx" to be started.

awaiting for your reply.
regards,
vivek.

Do you mean an 'isolated' linux system?

edit /etc/inittab in your favourite editor and change

id:3:initdefault:

to

id:5:initdefault:

then follow the steps above to configure autologin.

Thanks for your suggestion. But I don't need the "startx" to start. It has to directly login and show the prompt. I want the run level to be 3 only.

i need my server to boot up automaticaly as it runs my apache and web stuff are there any realy serius problems with this ??

Richard