LPIC-1 Linux Installation and Package Management Practice Question
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. ``` Desired=Unknown/Install/Remove/Purge/Hold | Status=Not/Inst/Conf-files/Unpacked/halF-conf/Half-inst/trig-aWait/Trig-pend |/ Err?=(none)/Reinst-required (Status,Err: uppercase=bad) ||/ Name Version Architecture Description +++-===================-===============-============-============================================ rc apache2 2.4.41-4ubuntu3 amd64 Apache HTTP Server ```
Based on the dpkg -l output in the exhibit, what does the 'rc' status indicate for the apache2 package?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse 'rc' with a fully removed or purged state, not realizing that the 'c' flag specifically means configuration files persist, which is a common oversight when interpreting dpkg status output.
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
✓
The package was removed but configuration files remain.
In dpkg, the 'rc' status means the package has been removed (the 'r' flag) but its configuration files remain on the system (the 'c' flag). This occurs when you use 'apt-get remove' or 'dpkg -r' without the --purge option, leaving behind files like /etc/apache2/*. The 'c' indicates that the package's conffiles (as listed in its control data) have not been deleted, allowing for potential reinstallation with previous settings preserved.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
The package was removed but configuration files remain.
Why this is correct
In dpkg status output, the first letter 'r' means the package was removed, and the second letter 'c' means only its configuration files remain on the system. This matches the 'rc' state shown for apache2.
- ✗
The package is unpacked but not configured.
Why it's wrong here
The 'rc' status means the package was removed but its configuration files remain, not that it is unpacked and unconfigured. Unpacked-but-unconfigured is shown by 'iU'. This option tempts because dpkg does track unpacked and half-configured states, but those apply during installation, not after removal.
- ✗
The package is installed and configured.
Why it's wrong here
The 'rc' state means the package was removed but its configuration files remain, so it is neither installed nor configured. It tempts because 'c' suggests configuration present, and 'ii' is the status that actually denotes installed and configured.
- ✗
The package is completely purged.
Why it's wrong here
The 'rc' status means the package was removed but its configuration files remain, so it is not fully purged. Purging, which deletes those residual configuration files too, is what 'dpkg --purge' or the 'p' status would show.
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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.