This LPIC-1 practice question tests your understanding of system architecture. 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.
On a systemd-based system, which file is NOT used for system initialization?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "NOT"
Why it matters: Negative qualifier — you are looking for the one option that does NOT apply. Most options will be true; only one is false for this scenario.
/etc/fstab
Why wrong: Systemd parses /etc/fstab for mount units.
/etc/systemd/system/default.target
Why wrong: This is a systemd configuration file.
/etc/inittab
Inittab is for SysV init, not systemd.
/lib/systemd/system/sysinit.target
Why wrong: This is a systemd target.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
/etc/inittab
The correct option is D: /etc/inittab is used by SysV init, not systemd. Option A (/etc/systemd/system/default.target) is a symlink to the default target. Option B (/lib/systemd/system/sysinit.target) is a systemd target used early in boot. Option C (/etc/fstab) is used by systemd to mount filesystems.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
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.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "NOT" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
/lib/systemd/system/sysinit.target
Why it's wrong here
This is a systemd target.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which LPIC-1 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
System Architecture — This question tests System Architecture — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: /etc/inittab — The correct option is D: /etc/inittab is used by SysV init, not systemd. Option A (/etc/systemd/system/default.target) is a symlink to the default target. Option B (/lib/systemd/system/sysinit.target) is a systemd target used early in boot. Option C (/etc/fstab) is used by systemd to mount filesystems.
Identify which LPIC-1 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Yes — watch for: "NOT". Negative qualifier — you are looking for the one option that does NOT apply. Most options will be true; only one is false for this scenario.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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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