LPIC-1 System Architecture Practice Question
On a systemd-based system, which file is NOT used for system initialization?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates familiar with SysV init assume /etc/inittab is still relevant on modern Linux systems, but LPIC-1 tests the distinction between legacy and systemd initialization files.
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
✓
/etc/inittab
/etc/inittab is the configuration file used by the traditional SysV init system to define runlevels and control terminal getty processes. On a systemd-based system, systemd does not read /etc/inittab; instead, it uses unit files and targets to manage system initialization, making this file unused for that purpose.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
/etc/fstab
Why it's wrong here
Systemd parses /etc/fstab for mount units.
- ✗
/etc/systemd/system/default.target
Why it's wrong here
This is a systemd configuration file.
- ✓
/etc/inittab
Why this is correct
Inittab is for SysV init, not systemd.
- ✗
/lib/systemd/system/sysinit.target
Why it's wrong here
This is a systemd target.
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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.