Quick Answer
The answer is noatime and data=journal. These are both valid ext4 mount options because noatime disables the update of access timestamps on inodes, reducing unnecessary disk writes and improving filesystem performance, while data=journal forces all data to be written to the journal before the main filesystem, offering the highest level of data integrity by journaling both metadata and file data. On the LPIC-1 exam, this question tests your understanding of ext4-specific mount options versus generic filesystem options; a common trap is confusing data=ordered (the default) with data=journal, or mistaking options like relatime for noatime. Remember that noatime is a performance-focused option, while data=journal is a safety-focused one—think “noatime for speed, journal for safety.”
This LPIC-1 practice question tests your understanding of devices, filesystems and fhs. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which TWO of the following are valid mount options for the ext4 filesystem?
sync
Why wrong: Valid but not specific to ext4.
data=journal
Enables journaling of data, valid for ext4.
noatime
Disables access time updates, valid for ext4.
ro
Why wrong: Valid but not specific to ext4; the question says 'for ext4', implying typical options.
noload
Why wrong: Not a standard mount option.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
data=journal
Option B is correct because 'data=journal' is a valid mount option for ext4 that enables journaling of both metadata and file data, providing the highest level of data integrity by writing all data to the journal before the main filesystem. Option C is correct because 'noatime' is a standard mount option that disables updating the access time (atime) on inodes, reducing disk writes and improving performance.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
sync
Why it's wrong here
Valid but not specific to ext4.
data=journal
Why this is correct
Enables journaling of data, valid for ext4.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
noatime
Why this is correct
Disables access time updates, valid for ext4.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
ro
Why it's wrong here
Valid but not specific to ext4; the question says 'for ext4', implying typical options.
noload
Why it's wrong here
Not a standard mount option.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse generic mount options (like 'sync' or 'ro') with filesystem-specific options, or they misremember 'noload' as a valid ext4 option when it is actually an ext3 option or a misspelling of 'norecovery'.
Detailed technical explanation
The 'data=journal' option in ext4 writes both data and metadata to the journal before committing to the main filesystem, which can double write throughput but ensures crash recovery can restore all data. The 'noatime' option modifies the inode's atime update behavior; by default, every read updates atime, causing significant overhead on high-I/O workloads like web servers or databases, and 'noatime' eliminates this without breaking POSIX compliance for most applications.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the LPIC-1 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
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FAQ
Devices, Filesystems and FHS — This question tests Devices, Filesystems and FHS — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: data=journal — Option B is correct because 'data=journal' is a valid mount option for ext4 that enables journaling of both metadata and file data, providing the highest level of data integrity by writing all data to the journal before the main filesystem. Option C is correct because 'noatime' is a standard mount option that disables updating the access time (atime) on inodes, reducing disk writes and improving performance.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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.
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