The correct action is to create a SysV init script that loads the kernel module and place it in /etc/init.d/ with appropriate symlinks in /etc/rc?.d/ to ensure it runs before network services. This works because SysV init relies on numbered symlinks—where a lower number means earlier execution—to control boot order, so placing a script like S01module before S10network guarantees the module loads via modprobe before any network services start, satisfying the application’s dependency. On the LPIC-1 exam, this tests your understanding of SysV init’s runlevel system and the /etc/init.d/ versus /etc/modules distinction; a common trap is assuming /etc/modules alone guarantees timing, but it only loads modules without ordering control. Remember the memory tip: “Lower number, earlier lumber”—the symlink’s starting digit dictates boot sequence priority.
LPIC-1 System Architecture Practice Question
This LPIC-1 practice question tests your understanding of system architecture. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A Linux administrator manages a server that runs a custom application requiring a specific kernel module to be loaded at boot. The server uses SysV init and has the module listed in /etc/modules. However, after a recent kernel update, the module fails to load automatically at boot. The administrator can manually load the module with 'modprobe <module>' after the system is running. The application depends on this module being loaded before any network services start. Which of the following actions should the administrator take to ensure the module loads automatically at the correct time during boot?
Create a SysV init script that loads the module and place it in /etc/init.d/ with appropriate symlinks in /etc/rc?.d/ to ensure it runs before network services.
This ensures the module is loaded early in the boot process, before network services that depend on it.
B
Add the module name to /etc/modules-load.d/ directory.
Why wrong: This is for systemd systems; the server uses SysV init.
C
Add an install directive in /etc/modprobe.d/ for the module.
Why wrong: Install directives are for custom module loading commands, but they do not ensure the module loads automatically at boot.
D
Add a blacklist entry for the module in /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf.
Why wrong: Blacklisting prevents the module from loading, which is the opposite of what is needed.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create a SysV init script that loads the module and place it in /etc/init.d/ with appropriate symlinks in /etc/rc?.d/ to ensure it runs before network services.
Option A is correct because SysV init systems use init scripts in /etc/init.d/ with symlinks in /etc/rc?.d/ to control the order of service startup. By creating a custom init script that loads the module via modprobe and placing it with a symlink that has a lower number (e.g., S01module) than network services (e.g., S10network), the module will be loaded before network services start, satisfying the application's dependency.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Create a SysV init script that loads the module and place it in /etc/init.d/ with appropriate symlinks in /etc/rc?.d/ to ensure it runs before network services.
Why this is correct
This ensures the module is loaded early in the boot process, before network services that depend on it.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Add the module name to /etc/modules-load.d/ directory.
Why it's wrong here
This is for systemd systems; the server uses SysV init.
✗
Add an install directive in /etc/modprobe.d/ for the module.
Why it's wrong here
Install directives are for custom module loading commands, but they do not ensure the module loads automatically at boot.
✗
Add a blacklist entry for the module in /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf.
Why it's wrong here
Blacklisting prevents the module from loading, which is the opposite of what is needed.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse the systemd-based /etc/modules-load.d/ mechanism with SysV init's /etc/modules file, assuming both are equivalent, when in fact SysV init requires explicit init scripts to control boot order.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Install directives are for custom module loading commands, but they do not ensure the module loads automatically at boot.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In SysV init, the boot process executes scripts in /etc/rc?.d/ in alphanumeric order, where symlinks starting with 'S' (start) are run in ascending numeric order. The administrator must ensure the custom init script's symlink has a lower number than the network service's symlink (e.g., S05loadmodule vs. S10network). The /etc/modules file is processed by the 'module-init-tools' or 'kmod' package's init script, but after a kernel update, the module may not be compatible or the init script may fail silently; a custom script provides explicit control over loading order.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the LPIC-1 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
System Architecture — This question tests System Architecture — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a SysV init script that loads the module and place it in /etc/init.d/ with appropriate symlinks in /etc/rc?.d/ to ensure it runs before network services. — Option A is correct because SysV init systems use init scripts in /etc/init.d/ with symlinks in /etc/rc?.d/ to control the order of service startup. By creating a custom init script that loads the module via modprobe and placing it with a symlink that has a lower number (e.g., S01module) than network services (e.g., S10network), the module will be loaded before network services start, satisfying the application's dependency.
What should I do if I get this LPIC-1 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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