init stands for initialization. In simple words the role of init is to create processes from script stored in the file /etc/inittab which is a configuration file which is to be used by initialization system. It is the last step of the kernel boot sequence.

What is the primary role of init?

The init command initializes and controls processes. Its primary role is to start processes based on records read from the /etc/inittab file. … The init command controls autonomous processes required by the system.

What does init 1 do in Linux?

Basically in Linux every runlevel is associated with certain programs or programs are associated with various runlevels. So entering that level with init 1 will kill all programs that are not designed or meant to be in that runlevel, hence the computer freeze mentioned by you.