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GNU and Unix CommandsmediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

LPIC-1 GNU and Unix Commands Practice Question

Exhibit

$ cat /etc/at.allow
root
user1
$ cat /etc/at.deny
user2
user3

Refer to the exhibit. Which users are allowed to use the 'at' command?

⚠ Common exam trap

The key trap is that when /etc/at.allow exists, it takes precedence over /etc/at.deny entirely. Only users listed in the allow file (plus root) are permitted, regardless of any deny file. Many candidates mistakenly think that all users not in a deny list are allowed.

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

root and user1

The 'at' command is controlled by the /etc/at.allow and /etc/at.deny files. If /etc/at.allow exists, only users listed in it (plus root) can use 'at'. The exhibit shows /etc/at.allow contains 'root' and 'user1', so both are allowed. If /etc/at.allow does not exist, /etc/at.deny is checked; but here the allow file takes precedence.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

  • No one

    Why it's wrong here

    root and user1 are allowed.

  • root and user1

    Why this is correct

    If at.allow exists, only users listed in it can use at.

  • All users except user2 and user3

    Why it's wrong here

    at.allow overrides at.deny.

  • Only root

    Why it's wrong here

    user1 is also allowed.

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JA

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.