LPIC-1 Linux Installation and Package Management Practice Question
An administrator needs to downgrade a package 'apache2' to a specific older version using APT. Which TWO commands can achieve this? (Choose exactly two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse `apt-get upgrade` with a version-specific downgrade command, or think that `--reinstall` can change the installed version, when in fact both commands only operate on the currently installed version.
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
✓
apt-get install apache2=2.2.22
The `apt-get install apache2=2.2.22` command explicitly specifies the exact version to install, which forces APT to downgrade the package to that version if a newer version is currently installed. APT handles version constraints by comparing version strings using the dpkg version comparison algorithm, allowing precise pinning to an older release.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
apt-get install apache2=2.2.22
Why this is correct
Installs the specified exact version.
- ✗
apt-get upgrade apache2
Why it's wrong here
Upgrades to newest, not downgrade.
- ✗
apt-get --reinstall install apache2
Why it's wrong here
Reinstalls current version.
- ✓
apt-get -t stable install apache2
Why this is correct
Installs version from the 'stable' release, potentially older.
- ✗
apt-cache showpkg apache2
Why it's wrong here
Shows versions but does not install.
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