LPIC-2 Linux Kernel and System Startup Practice Question
A system administrator notices that the 'pcspkr' kernel module is causing beeps on the server console. The administrator wants to prevent this module from loading permanently. Which of the following is the correct method to blacklist the module?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often confuse kernel command-line parameters (like 'modprobe.blacklist=') with module-specific parameters, or think that removing the module file is a valid administrative action, when in fact the proper method is to use the modprobe blacklist configuration.
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
✓
Add 'blacklist pcspkr' to /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
The standard method to permanently prevent a kernel module from loading is to add a 'blacklist' directive to a file in /etc/modprobe.d/. The 'blacklist pcspkr' line tells modprobe not to load the pcspkr module automatically, even if it is requested by hardware detection or dependencies. This is the recommended approach on modern Linux distributions using modprobe's configuration system.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Add 'install pcspkr /bin/false' to /etc/modprobe.conf
Why it's wrong here
While this prevents loading, it is not the standard blacklist method and uses a different syntax.
- ✗
Set the kernel parameter 'pcspkr=off' in GRUB
Why it's wrong here
There is no such kernel parameter to disable the pcspkr module.
- ✓
Add 'blacklist pcspkr' to /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
Why this is correct
This is the standard method to blacklist a kernel module.
- ✗
Remove the module file from /lib/modules/$(uname -r)/kernel/drivers/input/misc/
Why it's wrong here
Physically removing the module file is not recommended and may be restored by package updates.
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