The correct answer is the fstab entry: nfs.example.com:/exports/data /mnt/data nfs noexec,nosuid,_netdev 0 0. This line is correct because it specifies the NFS filesystem type, includes the required security options noexec and nosuid to prevent execution of binaries and ignore setuid bits on the mounted share, and adds the _netdev option, which is critical for network filesystems as it tells the system to wait for network availability before attempting the automount at boot. On the LPIC-2 exam, this question tests your understanding of secure NFS configuration and the fstab syntax for network mounts; a common trap is forgetting the _netdev option, which can cause boot delays or mount failures if the network isn't ready. To remember, think of the three key parts: the remote path, the local mount point, and the triple option noexec,nosuid,_netdev—a quick mnemonic is “No Network, No Security, No Boot.”
LPIC-2 Network Client Management Practice Question
This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of network client management. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
A Linux workstation must be configured to automatically mount an NFS share from server nfs.example.com:/exports/data at boot time. The share should be mounted with noexec and nosuid options. Which line should be added to /etc/fstab?
Option B is correct because it specifies the NFS filesystem type, includes the required mount options (noexec, nosuid, _netdev), and uses the correct fstab format. The _netdev option is critical for network filesystems to ensure the system waits for network availability before attempting the mount at boot time.
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.
Missing _netdev option, which is important to prevent boot hangs if NFS is not available.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often forget the _netdev option for network filesystems, assuming that specifying 'nfs' as the filesystem type is sufficient, but without _netdev the mount may fail at boot if the network is not yet ready.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The _netdev option in /etc/fstab tells systemd (or the init system) that the mount depends on network availability, causing it to be deferred until after the network is up. Without _netdev, the system may attempt to mount the NFS share before the network interface is configured, leading to a boot failure or a hung mount. The noexec and nosuid options enhance security by preventing execution of binaries on the mounted share and ignoring setuid/setgid bits, which is common for shared data directories.
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 practitioner preparing for the LPIC-2 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
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.
Network Client Management — This question tests Network Client Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: nfs.example.com:/exports/data /mnt/data nfs noexec,nosuid,_netdev 0 0 — Option B is correct because it specifies the NFS filesystem type, includes the required mount options (noexec, nosuid, _netdev), and uses the correct fstab format. The _netdev option is critical for network filesystems to ensure the system waits for network availability before attempting the mount at boot time.
What should I do if I get this LPIC-2 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.
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Question Discussion
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