- A
Add a cron job that runs 'rm -rf /tmp/*' every hour.
Why wrong: This is too aggressive and may remove files in use. Also not a standard approach without custom scripting.
- B
Install tmpwatch and configure it to clean files older than 1 day.
Why wrong: tmpwatch is not installed by default on many distributions; the question specifies without installing additional software.
- C
Set the sticky bit on /tmp to automatically delete old files.
Why wrong: The sticky bit prevents users from deleting files they don't own; it does not automatically clean old files.
- D
Configure the systemd-tmpfiles service with a configuration file to clean /tmp regularly.
systemd-tmpfiles is part of systemd and is available by default; it provides a clean mechanism for temporary file management.
Quick Answer
The correct approach is to configure the systemd-tmpfiles service with a configuration file to clean /tmp regularly. This is the best method because systemd-based Linux distributions include the systemd-tmpfiles built-in utility, which manages temporary file cleanup through rules defined in /etc/tmpfiles.d/ without requiring any additional software. On the LPIC-1 exam, this topic tests your understanding of native systemd tools versus third-party cron jobs or scripts, and it often appears as a distractor where candidates mistakenly choose a cron-based solution or manual deletion. A common trap is overlooking that systemd-tmpfiles already handles /tmp by default on many systems, but administrators can customize it with age-based or size-based rules. Memory tip: think "tmpfiles.d" as "temp files defined" — the 'd' stands for directory, where you drop your cleanup rules.
LPIC-1 Devices, Filesystems and FHS Practice Question
This LPIC-1 practice question tests your understanding of devices, filesystems and fhs. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
A system administrator notices that the /tmp directory is filling up quickly, causing applications to fail. The administrator wants to ensure that files in /tmp are automatically cleaned after a certain period. Which of the following is the best approach without installing additional software?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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
Configure the systemd-tmpfiles service with a configuration file to clean /tmp regularly.
Option D is correct because systemd-based Linux distributions include the systemd-tmpfiles service, which can be configured via files in /etc/tmpfiles.d/ to automatically clean temporary files based on age, size, or other criteria. This approach uses built-in systemd functionality without requiring additional software, and it is the recommended method for managing /tmp cleanup on modern systems.
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 a cron job that runs 'rm -rf /tmp/*' every hour.
Why it's wrong here
This is too aggressive and may remove files in use. Also not a standard approach without custom scripting.
- ✗
Install tmpwatch and configure it to clean files older than 1 day.
Why it's wrong here
tmpwatch is not installed by default on many distributions; the question specifies without installing additional software.
- ✗
Set the sticky bit on /tmp to automatically delete old files.
Why it's wrong here
The sticky bit prevents users from deleting files they don't own; it does not automatically clean old files.
- ✓
Configure the systemd-tmpfiles service with a configuration file to clean /tmp regularly.
Why this is correct
systemd-tmpfiles is part of systemd and is available by default; it provides a clean mechanism for temporary file management.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse the sticky bit (which only prevents deletion by other users) with automatic cleanup, or assume that a brute-force cron job is acceptable, while the correct answer leverages a built-in systemd service that is already present on most modern Linux distributions.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The systemd-tmpfiles service uses configuration files with directives like 'd /tmp 1777 root root 1d' to set permissions and cleanup age. The cleanup is triggered by systemd-tmpfiles-clean.timer, which runs daily by default and processes rules from /usr/lib/tmpfiles.d/, /run/tmpfiles.d/, and /etc/tmpfiles.d/. A common pitfall is that systemd-tmpfiles only cleans files based on access, modification, or change time (depending on the directive), and it respects the 'age' parameter, not a simple 'last modified' heuristic.
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 practitioner preparing for the LPIC-1 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
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.
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Devices, Filesystems and FHS — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this LPIC-1 question test?
Devices, Filesystems and FHS — This question tests Devices, Filesystems and FHS — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure the systemd-tmpfiles service with a configuration file to clean /tmp regularly. — Option D is correct because systemd-based Linux distributions include the systemd-tmpfiles service, which can be configured via files in /etc/tmpfiles.d/ to automatically clean temporary files based on age, size, or other criteria. This approach uses built-in systemd functionality without requiring additional software, and it is the recommended method for managing /tmp cleanup on modern systems.
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: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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.
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