LPIC-1 System Architecture Practice Question
Which command displays information about the CPU, including model name, cache size, and flags?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates choose `cat /proc/cpuinfo` because it contains all the raw data, but the exam expects the command that is specifically designed to present CPU information in a readable summary, which is `lscpu`.
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
✓
lscpu
The `lscpu` command is the correct choice because it is specifically designed to display CPU architecture information, including model name, cache sizes, and flags (such as SSE, AES, etc.), by reading data from sysfs and /proc/cpuinfo in a human-readable format. It provides a concise summary without requiring root privileges, making it the most appropriate tool for this task.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
uname -a
Why it's wrong here
uname -a prints kernel name, release, architecture, and hostname, but no CPU model name, cache size, or flags. It is tempting because it summarises system information, yet the scenario needs per-processor details that only /proc/cpuinfo exposes.
- ✓
lscpu
Why this is correct
lscpu reads /proc/cpuinfo and sysfs to report CPU architecture, model name, per-core cache sizes and instruction flags in one view, satisfying the stem's requirement to display all three. Alternatives such as lspci list PCI devices, not processor details.
- ✗
cat /proc/cpuinfo
Why it's wrong here
This also displays CPU info, but lscpu is the command typically used. However, both are valid; but the question expects lscpu as the standard command.
- ✗
dmidecode
Why it's wrong here
dmidecode reports BIOS and hardware inventory data, including processor socket and manufacturer details, but not the kernel's per-core model name, cache size, or CPU flags. It is tempting because it does describe CPUs, yet those specific fields come from /proc/cpuinfo, which dmidecode does not replicate.
Quick reference
Symmetric Encryption Algorithm Comparison
| Algorithm | Key Size | Block Size | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AES-128 | 128-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | NIST approved; WPA3, TLS |
| AES-256 | 256-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | Preferred for sensitive / govt data |
| 3DES | 112-bit effective | 64-bit | Deprecated (2023) | Replaced by AES |
| DES | 56-bit | 64-bit | Broken | Cracked in < 24 h; never deploy |
| ChaCha20 | 256-bit | Stream cipher | Current | TLS 1.3, WireGuard |
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
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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.