The correct answer is that Apache2 will continue running because the dependency is a soft dependency. In systemd, a 'Wants' directive establishes a soft dependency, meaning the dependent service does not require the target service to be active; it merely attempts to start it but will proceed regardless if the target fails or is stopped. This contrasts with a 'Requires' directive, which enforces a hard dependency and would cause Apache2 to stop or fail if syslog were not running. On the LPIC-1 exam, this concept tests your understanding of systemd unit file directives and service orchestration, often appearing in exhibits that show a unit's [Unit] section. A common trap is confusing 'Wants' with 'Requires', so remember the mnemonic: "Wants are wishes, Requires are rules."
LPIC-1 Administrative Tasks Practice Question
This LPIC-1 practice question tests your understanding of administrative tasks. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
$ systemctl status apache2
● apache2.service - The Apache HTTP Server
Loaded: loaded (/lib/systemd/system/apache2.service; enabled; vendor preset: enabled)
Active: active (running) since Mon 2023-08-14 10:30:45 UTC; 2h 15min ago
Docs: man:apache2(8)
Main PID: 1234 (apache2)
Tasks: 55 (limit: 4915)
Memory: 24.5M
CGroup: /system.slice/apache2.service
├─1234 /usr/sbin/apache2 -k start
├─1235 /usr/sbin/apache2 -k start
└─1236 /usr/sbin/apache2 -k start
$ systemctl list-dependencies apache2
apache2.service
● └─network.target
● └─syslog.service
Based on the exhibit, what will happen if the syslog service is stopped?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Apache2 will continue running because the dependency is a soft dependency
Option D is correct because in Linux, services managed by systemd can have dependencies declared as 'Requires' (hard) or 'Wants' (soft). A soft dependency means that the dependent service (Apache2) does not require the target service (syslog) to be running; it will continue to operate even if syslog is stopped. The exhibit likely shows a 'Wants' directive, which does not enforce a strict ordering or runtime requirement.
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.
✗
Apache2 will be stopped because it depends on syslog
Why it's wrong here
Only hard dependencies cause stop.
✗
The system will prompt to restart syslog before stopping
Apache2 will continue running because the dependency is a soft dependency
Why this is correct
By default, listed dependencies are 'Wants', not 'Requires'.
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 confuse 'Wants' (soft dependency) with 'Requires' (hard dependency), assuming any dependency means the dependent service will be stopped or restarted when the target service changes.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under systemd, the 'Wants=' directive in a unit file creates a soft dependency: the listed units are started when the dependent unit starts, but their failure or stop does not affect the dependent unit. In contrast, 'Requires=' creates a hard dependency where stopping the required unit will stop the dependent unit. This distinction is critical for services like Apache2 that can function without syslog (e.g., logging to a file directly), avoiding unnecessary service interruptions in production environments.
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.
Administrative Tasks — This question tests Administrative Tasks — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Apache2 will continue running because the dependency is a soft dependency — Option D is correct because in Linux, services managed by systemd can have dependencies declared as 'Requires' (hard) or 'Wants' (soft). A soft dependency means that the dependent service (Apache2) does not require the target service (syslog) to be running; it will continue to operate even if syslog is stopped. The exhibit likely shows a 'Wants' directive, which does not enforce a strict ordering or runtime requirement.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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