LPIC-1 Devices, Filesystems and FHS Practice Question
Which THREE directories under the root filesystem are typically used for variable data that changes frequently during system operation, according to FHS?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse /usr with /var because /usr contains some subdirectories like /usr/local/var in older systems, but the FHS explicitly separates read-only /usr from writable /var, and /usr is not intended for frequently changing data.
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
✓
/var
The Filesystem Hierarchy Standard (FHS) designates /var for variable data that changes in size and content during normal system operation, such as logs (/var/log), spool files (/var/spool), and databases (/var/lib). /run holds runtime variable data describing the system since boot, while /tmp is for temporary files that may be deleted on reboot. Together, these three directories are the standard locations for frequently changing data under the root filesystem.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
/usr
Why it's wrong here
/usr is for static shareable data, not frequently changing.
- ✓
/var
Why this is correct
/var is for variable data such as logs, mail spools, etc.
- ✓
/run
Why this is correct
/run contains runtime variable data like PID files and sockets.
- ✓
/tmp
Why this is correct
/tmp is for temporary files that are created and deleted frequently.
- ✗
/opt
Why it's wrong here
/opt is for add-on software, typically static.
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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.