- A
Convert /var to use LVM by backing up, reformatting, and restoring data.
Why wrong: This would require significant downtime and is more complex than necessary.
- B
Create a symbolic link from /var/www/uploads to /dev/sdb1.
Why wrong: You cannot symlink to a block device; you need a filesystem mount. This would not work.
- C
Move /var/www/uploads to /mnt/uploads and create a symbolic link from /var/www/uploads to /mnt/uploads.
Why wrong: The uploads directory is on /var which is full; moving to /mnt is okay, but the symlink doesn't free space on /var unless the data is moved off. However, the data would still physically reside on /var if moved incorrectly. The correct procedure would be to copy to new filesystem, then use bind mount.
- D
Mount /dev/sdb1 on /mnt, copy /var/www/uploads to /mnt/uploads, then mount --bind /mnt/uploads /var/www/uploads.
This moves the data to the new disk and uses a bind mount to keep the original path, preserving application access without downtime.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to mount /dev/sdb1 on /mnt, copy the uploads directory, then use a bind mount to attach /mnt/uploads to /var/www/uploads. This works because a bind mount allows you to make an already-mounted filesystem accessible at a second directory path without moving any data or disrupting the running web server, effectively adding disk space to an existing directory. On the LPIC-1 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of bind mounts as a non-disruptive solution for storage expansion, often appearing in questions about preserving file paths while adding capacity. A common trap is thinking you must unmount /var or change the application’s configuration, but bind mounts operate at the kernel level and require no downtime. Memory tip: “Bind before you break” — always bind the new mount point to the old path before removing any original files.
LPIC-1 Devices, Filesystems and FHS Practice Question
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.
You are a systems administrator for a medium-sized company that runs a web server on a Linux host. The server has two physical disks: /dev/sda (250 GB) and /dev/sdb (500 GB). The root filesystem is on /dev/sda2, and /var is on /dev/sda3 (50 GB). The web application stores user-uploaded files in /var/www/uploads, which is part of the /var filesystem. Recently, /var has been running out of space because uploads have grown to 40 GB. You have added /dev/sdb1 (500 GB) and created an ext4 filesystem on it. You need to make the space available for uploads without disrupting the current file paths. The server must remain online during the process. Which of the following actions should you take?
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
Mount /dev/sdb1 on /mnt, copy /var/www/uploads to /mnt/uploads, then mount --bind /mnt/uploads /var/www/uploads.
Option D is correct because using a bind mount allows you to mount the new 500 GB filesystem at /mnt/uploads and then bind it to /var/www/uploads, preserving the existing file paths without moving or renaming anything. This operation can be performed online without unmounting /var or disrupting the web server, as bind mounts are a feature of the Linux kernel that make a mounted filesystem accessible at another directory.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Convert /var to use LVM by backing up, reformatting, and restoring data.
Why it's wrong here
This would require significant downtime and is more complex than necessary.
- ✗
Create a symbolic link from /var/www/uploads to /dev/sdb1.
Why it's wrong here
You cannot symlink to a block device; you need a filesystem mount. This would not work.
- ✗
Move /var/www/uploads to /mnt/uploads and create a symbolic link from /var/www/uploads to /mnt/uploads.
Why it's wrong here
The uploads directory is on /var which is full; moving to /mnt is okay, but the symlink doesn't free space on /var unless the data is moved off. However, the data would still physically reside on /var if moved incorrectly. The correct procedure would be to copy to new filesystem, then use bind mount.
- ✓
Mount /dev/sdb1 on /mnt, copy /var/www/uploads to /mnt/uploads, then mount --bind /mnt/uploads /var/www/uploads.
Why this is correct
This moves the data to the new disk and uses a bind mount to keep the original path, preserving application access without downtime.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse symbolic links with bind mounts, assuming a symlink to a device or mount point will work, when in fact only a bind mount can transparently redirect directory access to a different filesystem without breaking paths or requiring manual mounting.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Bind mounts (mount --bind) work at the VFS layer, making an existing mount point accessible at another location without copying data; they are commonly used for chroot environments or container setups. In this scenario, after copying the data to /mnt/uploads, the bind mount ensures that /var/www/uploads points to the new 500 GB partition, and you can add an entry to /etc/fstab (e.g., '/dev/sdb1 /mnt/uploads ext4 defaults 0 2' and '/mnt/uploads /var/www/uploads none bind 0 0') to make it persistent across reboots.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Devices, Filesystems and FHS — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Devices, Filesystems and FHS practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All LPIC-1 questions
522 questions across all exam domains
- →
Linux Professional Institute Certification Level 1 LPIC-1 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
LPIC-1 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related LPIC-1 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
GNU and Unix Commands practice questions
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to GNU and Unix Commands.
Devices, Filesystems and FHS practice questions
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to Devices, Filesystems and FHS.
Linux Installation and Package Management practice questions
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to Linux Installation and Package Management.
Essential System Services and Networking practice questions
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to Essential System Services and Networking.
Administrative Tasks practice questions
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to Administrative Tasks.
Shells, Scripting and Data Management practice questions
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to Shells, Scripting and Data Management.
System Architecture practice questions
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to System Architecture.
LPIC-1 fundamentals practice questions
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to LPIC-1 fundamentals.
LPIC-1 scenario practice questions
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to LPIC-1 scenario.
LPIC-1 troubleshooting practice questions
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to LPIC-1 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free LPIC-1 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this LPIC-1 question test?
Devices, Filesystems and FHS — This question tests Devices, Filesystems and FHS — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Mount /dev/sdb1 on /mnt, copy /var/www/uploads to /mnt/uploads, then mount --bind /mnt/uploads /var/www/uploads. — Option D is correct because using a bind mount allows you to mount the new 500 GB filesystem at /mnt/uploads and then bind it to /var/www/uploads, preserving the existing file paths without moving or renaming anything. This operation can be performed online without unmounting /var or disrupting the web server, as bind mounts are a feature of the Linux kernel that make a mounted filesystem accessible at another directory.
What should I do if I get this LPIC-1 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Keep practising
More LPIC-1 practice questions
- A system administrator needs to install a new kernel on a Debian-based system. Which TWO commands can be used to achieve…
- Which TWO of the following are valid methods to change the default runlevel on a SysV init-based system?
- A system administrator notices that a server with a freshly installed Linux system fails to boot with the error 'No boot…
- Refer to the exhibit. A system administrator checks the integrity of the passwd package on a CentOS 7 system using rpm -…
- Which THREE commands can be used to display the UUID of a filesystem on a Linux system without superuser privileges? (Ch…
- A systems administrator needs to change the permissions of the file /home/user/script.sh so that the owner can read, wri…
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.