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LPIC-1 System Architecture Practice Question

A technician needs to output only the kernel release number. Which command should be used?

⚠ Common exam trap

It's easy for candidates to confuse `/proc/version` (which shows the full version string) with a command that outputs only the release number, or they assume `dmesg` output is consistent across all systems.

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

✓

uname -r

The `uname -r` command specifically prints the kernel release number (e.g., '5.10.0-28-amd64') by querying the `utsname` system call. This is the standard, portable way to retrieve only the kernel release string without additional system information.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

✗
cat /proc/version
Why it's wrong here
cat /proc/version includes the full version string, not just the release number.
✓
uname -r
Why this is correct
uname -r outputs the exact kernel release number.
✗
dmesg | head -1
Why it's wrong here
dmesg shows kernel ring buffer, first line often includes kernel version but not guaranteed to be only the release number.
✗
lsmod
Why it's wrong here
lsmod lists loaded kernel modules, not the kernel version.

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LPIC-1 System Architecture Practice Question

Why each option matters

Option-by-option breakdown

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