LPIC-1 Linux Installation and Package Management Practice Question
This LPIC-1 practice question tests your understanding of linux installation and package management. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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 system administrator needs to install a package 'foo' which depends on library 'libbar.so.2' that is not currently installed. The administrator runs `apt-get install foo` and receives an error about unmet dependencies. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Run `apt-get install -f` to fix broken dependencies.
The command `apt-get install -f` attempts to fix broken dependencies by installing missing packages or removing conflicting ones. It is the correct next step after a failed installation due to unmet dependencies. Option A is incorrect because `apt-get update` only refreshes the package list. Option C is incorrect because force-installing can break the system. Option D is incorrect because manual installation may not resolve all dependencies.
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.
✓
Run `apt-get install -f` to fix broken dependencies.
Why this is correct
This command attempts to correct unmet dependencies.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use `dpkg --force-depends -i foo.deb` to force installation.
Why it's wrong here
Forcing installation can leave the system with broken packages.
✗
Run `apt-get update` and retry the installation.
Why it's wrong here
Updating the package list does not fix dependency issues.
✗
Manually download `libbar.so.2` and install it using `dpkg -i`.
Why it's wrong here
Manual installation may not resolve all dependencies and is not recommended.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 LPIC-1 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Linux Installation and Package Management — This question tests Linux Installation and Package Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Run `apt-get install -f` to fix broken dependencies. — The command `apt-get install -f` attempts to fix broken dependencies by installing missing packages or removing conflicting ones. It is the correct next step after a failed installation due to unmet dependencies. Option A is incorrect because `apt-get update` only refreshes the package list. Option C is incorrect because force-installing can break the system. Option D is incorrect because manual installation may not resolve all dependencies.
What should I do if I get this LPIC-1 question wrong?
Identify which LPIC-1 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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