LPIC-1 Administrative Tasks Practice Question
A system administrator wants to change the default runlevel of a SysV init-based system to runlevel 3. Which file should be edited to make this change persistent across reboots?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is mixing up init systems: /etc/inittab is for SysV init, while systemd uses default.target and Upstart uses /etc/init/.
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
✓
/etc/inittab
For SysV init systems, the default runlevel is set in /etc/inittab via the initdefault line. Editing that file to specify runlevel 3 ensures the system boots to runlevel 3 on subsequent reboots. The other files are associated with different init systems or purposes and would not achieve the desired change.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
/etc/init/rc-sysinit.conf
Why it's wrong here
This file is used by Upstart, not traditional SysV init. Upstart was used in some distributions like older Ubuntu, but the question specifies SysV init. Modifying this file would not affect a SysV init system. It is a common confusion between init systems.
- ✗
/etc/rc.d/rc.local
Why it's wrong here
/etc/rc.d/rc.local is a script executed at the end of the boot process, often used for custom commands. It does not control the default runlevel. Changing it would not alter the runlevel; it is meant for local customizations, not init configuration.
- ✓
/etc/inittab
Why this is correct
On SysV init systems, the default runlevel is specified in /etc/inittab by the 'initdefault' entry, such as 'id:3:initdefault:'. Editing this file to set the runlevel to 3 changes the default runlevel persistently. This is the correct file for SysV init-based systems.
- ✗
/etc/systemd/system/default.target
Why it's wrong here
This is a symbolic link used by systemd to set the default target (equivalent to runlevel). The question specifies SysV init, so systemd files are irrelevant. Editing this would have no effect on a SysV init system.
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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
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