The answer is to run `apt-mark unhold <package>` and then `apt upgrade`. This is correct because `apt-mark hold` prevents a package from being updated, causing `apt upgrade` to skip it even when a newer version exists in the repository; the `apt-cache policy` output showing identical installed and candidate versions confirms the hold is blocking the upgrade. On the LPIC-1 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of package management with `apt` and `dpkg`, specifically how `apt-mark` controls package state—a common trap is assuming repository or connectivity issues when the real problem is a manual hold. Remember that `apt-mark hold` is often used to freeze critical packages during production, but forgetting to unhold them later leads to missed security patches. A useful memory tip: think of "hold" as a sticky note on the package that says "do not touch," so you must remove the note with `unhold` before the upgrade can proceed.
LPIC-1 Linux Installation and Package Management Practice Question
This LPIC-1 practice question tests your understanding of linux installation and package management. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
You are a system administrator for a small company running a web server on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS. The web server application was installed using apt from the official repositories. Recently, a critical security patch was released for the web server package. You run 'apt update' and 'apt upgrade' but the package is not upgraded. You check the package status with 'apt-cache policy <package>' and see that the installed version is 2.4.41-4ubuntu3.6, and the candidate version is the same. The latest patched version in the repository is 2.4.41-4ubuntu3.7. You verify that the system has internet connectivity and that the repository URLs in /etc/apt/sources.list are correct. What is the most likely reason the upgrade is not being offered?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Run 'apt-mark unhold <package>' and then 'apt upgrade'.
The most likely reason is that the package has been placed on hold using 'apt-mark hold', which prevents it from being upgraded even when a newer version is available in the repository. Running 'apt-mark unhold <package>' removes this hold, allowing 'apt upgrade' to proceed normally.
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.
✗
Add the universe repository to sources.list and run 'apt update'.
Why it's wrong here
The package is from main, not universe, and the repository is already correct.
✓
Run 'apt-mark unhold <package>' and then 'apt upgrade'.
Why this is correct
If the package is held, it will not be upgraded. Unholding allows the upgrade.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use 'apt dist-upgrade' instead of 'apt upgrade'.
Why it's wrong here
dist-upgrade handles dependency changes but does not override package holds.
✗
Run 'apt install <package>' which will force the upgrade.
Why it's wrong here
If the package is held, apt install will also refuse to upgrade it.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may assume the issue is with repository configuration or command syntax, when in fact the package hold mechanism is a subtle but common administrative action that directly prevents upgrades.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The 'apt-mark' command manages package states such as hold, install, or remove. When a package is held, dpkg sets a flag in its database that prevents the package from being upgraded, removed, or modified. This is often used to pin a specific version for stability reasons, and it is a common scenario in production environments where administrators want to avoid unexpected updates to critical packages.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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-mark unhold <package>' and then 'apt upgrade'. — The most likely reason is that the package has been placed on hold using 'apt-mark hold', which prevents it from being upgraded even when a newer version is available in the repository. Running 'apt-mark unhold <package>' removes this hold, allowing 'apt upgrade' to proceed normally.
What should I do if I get this LPIC-1 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.