The correct commands are `apt-get install linux-image-5.10.0-20-amd64` and `dpkg -i linux-image-5.10.0-20-amd64.deb`, as both can install a new kernel on a Debian system, though they operate differently. `apt-get install` pulls the kernel package from configured repositories, automatically resolving dependencies and updating the bootloader, making it the safer, standard method for routine installations. In contrast, `dpkg -i` installs a local `.deb` file directly, bypassing dependency resolution, which is useful for offline or custom kernel builds but requires manual dependency handling. On the Linux Professional Institute Certification Level 1 LPIC-1 exam, this tests your understanding of Debian package management tools and their appropriate use cases; a common trap is assuming `dpkg` alone handles dependencies or that `apt-get` cannot install a specific kernel version. Remember the mnemonic: “APT Automates, DPKG Does Directly”—use APT for online, dependency-aware installs, and DPKG only when you have the local file and know the dependencies are satisfied.
LPIC-1 Linux Installation and Package Management Practice Question
This LPIC-1 practice question tests your understanding of linux installation and package management. 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 needs to install a new kernel on a Debian-based system. Which TWO commands can be used to achieve this? (Choose TWO.)
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 linux-image-5.10.0-20-amd64
Option C is correct because `apt-get install` is the standard command for installing a specific kernel package from the configured repositories on Debian-based systems. The package name `linux-image-5.10.0-20-amd64` corresponds to a precompiled kernel image that APT will download and install, automatically handling dependencies and updating the bootloader configuration.
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.
✗
apt-cache search linux-image-5.10.0-20-amd64
Why it's wrong here
apt-cache search only searches package names and descriptions, it does not install.
✗
apt-get update
Why it's wrong here
apt-get update updates the package index files, it does not install packages.
✓
apt-get install linux-image-5.10.0-20-amd64
Why this is correct
apt-get install installs packages from repositories, including kernel images.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
make install
Why it's wrong here
make install is used for compiling and installing software from source, not for package management.
✓
dpkg -i linux-image-5.10.0-20-amd64.deb
Why this is correct
dpkg -i installs a local .deb package file.
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 package management commands (like `apt-cache search` or `apt-get update`) with installation commands, or assume that `make install` is a valid method for installing a precompiled kernel package.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
When installing a kernel via `apt-get install`, the package manager downloads the `.deb` file, runs pre-install scripts to handle initramfs generation (via `update-initramfs`), and triggers `update-grub` to add the new kernel to the boot menu. Using `dpkg -i` directly on a `.deb` file bypasses dependency resolution, which can lead to a broken system if dependencies are missing; however, it is still a valid method for installing a kernel if the `.deb` file is already downloaded and dependencies are satisfied.
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.
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: apt-get install linux-image-5.10.0-20-amd64 — Option C is correct because `apt-get install` is the standard command for installing a specific kernel package from the configured repositories on Debian-based systems. The package name `linux-image-5.10.0-20-amd64` corresponds to a precompiled kernel image that APT will download and install, automatically handling dependencies and updating the bootloader configuration.
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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