LPIC-1 Linux Installation and Package Management Practice Question
A sysadmin wants to prevent an APT package from being upgraded automatically but still allow it to be upgraded manually if needed. Which configuration method best achieves this?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse `apt-mark hold` with pinning in `/etc/apt/preferences`, assuming a high Pin-Priority (like 1000) prevents upgrades, when in fact it only sets preference order and does not block automatic upgrades.
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
✓
Use 'apt-mark hold <package>'
The `apt-mark hold <package>` command marks a package as held back, preventing it from being automatically upgraded during `apt upgrade` or `apt dist-upgrade`, while still allowing manual upgrades via `apt install <package>` or `apt-mark unhold`. This directly meets the requirement of blocking automatic upgrades but permitting manual intervention.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Set the package version to a non-existent version in /etc/apt/preferences
Why it's wrong here
This would cause errors and not reliably hold the package.
- ✓
Use 'apt-mark hold <package>'
Why this is correct
This marks the package as held, preventing automatic upgrades.
- ✗
Add the package to /etc/apt/preferences with Pin-Priority: 1000
Why it's wrong here
This would force the package to be installed, not hold it.
- ✗
Remove the package from sources.list
Why it's wrong here
This would not prevent upgrades if the package is already installed from another source.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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