LPIC-1 Devices, Filesystems and FHS Practice Question
This LPIC-1 practice question tests your understanding of devices, filesystems and fhs. 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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The root filesystem (/)
The root filesystem (/) is checked first by fsck because it is mounted read-only during the initial boot phase, and fsck must verify its integrity before the system can proceed to mount other filesystems. The order of filesystem checks is determined by the fs_passno field in /etc/fstab, where the root filesystem typically has a passno of 1, ensuring it is checked before any filesystem with a higher passno value.
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.
✗
The swap partition
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Swap has passno 0, which disables checks.
✓
The root filesystem (/)
Why this is correct
Correct: Root has passno 1, checked first.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The CD-ROM device
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: CD-ROM has passno 0, not checked.
✗
The /boot filesystem
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: /boot has passno 2, checked after root.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume the /boot filesystem is checked first because it contains the kernel and bootloader, but the root filesystem is always checked first due to its fs_passno=1 setting in /etc/fstab.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The fsck utility reads /etc/fstab to determine the order of filesystem checks based on the fs_passno field; a value of 0 skips the check, 1 is for the root filesystem, and 2 is for all other filesystems that need checking. During boot, the init system (e.g., systemd or SysVinit) runs fsck on the root filesystem first, then proceeds to check other filesystems in parallel or sequentially based on their passno values. In real-world scenarios, if the root filesystem is corrupted, fsck may fail and drop the system into a rescue shell, preventing other filesystems from being checked until the root is repaired.
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.
Devices, Filesystems and FHS — This question tests Devices, Filesystems and FHS — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The root filesystem (/) — The root filesystem (/) is checked first by fsck because it is mounted read-only during the initial boot phase, and fsck must verify its integrity before the system can proceed to mount other filesystems. The order of filesystem checks is determined by the fs_passno field in /etc/fstab, where the root filesystem typically has a passno of 1, ensuring it is checked before any filesystem with a higher passno value.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
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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