LPIC-1 Essential System Services and Networking Practice Question
A Linux administrator needs to configure a system to use a proxy server for HTTP and HTTPS traffic for all users. Which TWO environment variables should be set in a system-wide profile script to ensure that command-line tools like curl and wget use the proxy? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that a single variable like all_proxy or ftp_proxy covers all web traffic, but HTTP and HTTPS require separate variables for reliable proxy configuration.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
http_proxy
Setting http_proxy and https_proxy in a system-wide profile script ensures that command-line tools like curl and wget route HTTP and HTTPS traffic through the proxy. These variables are widely recognized and provide comprehensive coverage for web traffic.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
no_proxy
Why it's wrong here
The no_proxy variable specifies hosts or domains that should bypass the proxy. It is used to exclude certain addresses from proxying, but it does not configure the proxy itself. The question asks for variables that set the proxy, not exclude destinations.
- ✗
all_proxy
Why it's wrong here
The all_proxy variable is used by some applications to specify a proxy for all protocols, but it is not universally supported by curl or wget for HTTP and HTTPS. The standard variables are http_proxy and https_proxy, which are specifically recognized by these tools.
- ✗
ftp_proxy
Why it's wrong here
The ftp_proxy variable is used for FTP requests, not HTTP or HTTPS. While some tools might use it for FTP over HTTP, it does not affect HTTP or HTTPS traffic. The question specifically asks for HTTP and HTTPS, so this is not needed.
- ✓
http_proxy
Why this is correct
The http_proxy environment variable specifies the proxy server for HTTP requests. Many command-line tools, including curl and wget, check this variable to determine the proxy for HTTP URLs. Setting it system-wide ensures all users and processes inherit the proxy configuration.
- ✓
https_proxy
Why this is correct
The https_proxy environment variable specifies the proxy server for HTTPS requests. Tools like curl and wget use this variable for HTTPS URLs. It is essential to set both http_proxy and https_proxy to cover all web traffic, as they are handled separately.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official LPI exam blueprint
This LPIC-1 practice question is part of Courseiva's free LPI certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the LPIC-1 exam.