LPIC-2 Linux Kernel and System Startup Practice Question
A new network card driver module is not being loaded at boot. The administrator wants to ensure the module is loaded automatically without modifying the kernel command line. Which file should be used?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse /etc/modprobe.d/ (for module options and aliases) with /etc/modules-load.d/ (for specifying modules to load at boot), leading candidates to incorrectly choose option C.
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
✓
/etc/modules-load.d/<name>.conf
/etc/modules-load.d/<name>.conf is the standard configuration directory used by systemd-modules-load.service to load kernel modules at boot without modifying the kernel command line. Files in this directory list module names (one per line) that are loaded automatically during early boot, making it the proper mechanism for ensuring a network card driver module is loaded.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
/etc/modules-load.d/<name>.conf
Why this is correct
This directory is used by systemd to load kernel modules at boot. Adding the module name to a new file here will load it automatically.
- ✗
/lib/modules/$(uname -r)/modules.builtin
Why it's wrong here
This file lists built-in modules, not loadable modules; modifying it has no effect.
- ✗
/etc/modprobe.d/<name>.conf
Why it's wrong here
This directory is for modprobe options and aliases, not for forcing module loading; it can be used with 'install' but is less straightforward.
- ✗
/etc/rc.local
Why it's wrong here
rc.local is a legacy method and may not be executed if systemd is used; it is not the recommended way.
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