LPIC-1 Devices, Filesystems and FHS Practice Question
Which directory in the Filesystem Hierarchy Standard (FHS) contains essential user command binaries that are needed in single-user mode?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse /sbin with /bin, assuming that system administration binaries are the essential ones for single-user mode, when in fact /bin provides the user-level commands needed for basic system interaction and recovery.
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
✓
/bin
The /bin directory contains essential user command binaries (e.g., ls, cp, mv) that are required for system booting and repair in single-user mode. According to the FHS, /bin is intended for commands needed by both the system administrator and users when no other filesystems are mounted, making it critical for single-user mode operations.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
/tmp
Why it's wrong here
/tmp holds temporary files created by programs and is typically cleared on reboot; it contains no essential binaries. It is tempting because single-user mode sometimes involves temporary state, but the FHS reserves /tmp for transient data, whereas essential user commands needed in single-user mode belong in /bin.
- ✗
/sbin
Why it's wrong here
/sbin holds essential system binaries used chiefly for administration and booting, such as fsck and mount, not the essential user command binaries the question asks about. It is tempting because single-user mode is administrative, but the FHS separates system binaries from the user commands found in /bin.
- ✓
/bin
Why this is correct
/bin holds essential user command binaries required for single-user mode and system repair, such as ls, cp and sh. The FHS designates it specifically for commands needed before other filesystems are mounted, matching the stem's single-user-mode constraint.
- ✗
/boot
Why it's wrong here
/boot holds static files for the boot loader, including kernels and initramfs images, not user command binaries. It is tempting because single-user mode relates to booting, yet the FHS places boot-time data here, while essential user commands required in single-user mode reside in /bin.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
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