LPIC-1 Devices, Filesystems and FHS Practice Question
Which FHS directory contains essential binaries needed for booting and repairing the system, even before /usr is mounted?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse /sbin with /bin, assuming that system repair binaries are exclusively in /sbin, but the FHS explicitly designates /bin for essential user binaries required before /usr is mounted, while /sbin is for system administration tools that may also be needed but are not the primary answer for 'essential binaries' in this context.
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 binaries (e.g., ls, cp, mount, bash) required for booting, repairing, and single-user mode, even when /usr is not mounted. The Filesystem Hierarchy Standard (FHS) mandates that /bin must be available before /usr is mounted, ensuring critical commands are accessible during early boot stages or recovery scenarios.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
/boot
Why it's wrong here
Contains boot loader files, not command binaries.
- ✗
/usr/bin
Why it's wrong here
/usr/bin may not be available if /usr is not mounted.
- ✗
/sbin
Why it's wrong here
Contains system binaries, but both /bin and /sbin are essential; however, /bin is more basic.
- ✓
/bin
Why this is correct
Contains essential binaries like ls, mount, etc.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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