LPIC-1 Devices, Filesystems and FHS Practice Question
According to the Filesystem Hierarchy Standard (FHS), which TWO directories are intended for variable data that persists across system reboots? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
The LPI exam often tests the misconception that /run is persistent, but according to FHS, /run is cleared on boot. Only /var is intended for variable data that persists across reboots.
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
✓
/var
According to the Filesystem Hierarchy Standard (FHS), /var is the designated directory for variable data such as logs, spools, and databases that persist across reboots. /run is intended for runtime variable data and is typically cleared on boot, so it does not persist. Therefore, only /var is correct.
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
Why it's wrong here
/run is for runtime variable data and is typically cleared on boot; it does not persist across reboots.
- ✗
/opt
Why it's wrong here
/opt is for optional add-on software packages, not variable data.
- ✓
/var
Why this is correct
/var is the primary directory for variable data such as logs and databases that persist across reboots.
- ✗
/usr/local
Why it's wrong here
/usr/local is for locally installed software, not variable data.
- ✗
/tmp
Why it's wrong here
/tmp is for temporary files that may be cleared on reboot.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.