LPIC-2 Linux Kernel and System Startup Practice Question
Network Topology
An administrator wants to compile a new kernel module that is not yet in the tree. What file should be referenced to ensure the module is built with the same configuration as the current kernel?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse /proc/config.gz with a reliable configuration source, not realizing it is optional and may be absent, while /boot/config-* is the standard, always-present file on Debian-based systems.
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
✓
/boot/config-5.10.0-9-amd64
/boot/config-5.10.0-9-amd64 contains the exact kernel configuration used to build the currently running kernel. When compiling a new kernel module, referencing this file (typically via 'make oldconfig' or copying it to the source tree as .config) ensures the module is built with the same set of options, such as enabled features, drivers, and module parameters, preventing incompatibilities.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
/proc/config.gz
Why it's wrong here
/proc/config.gz may contain the config, but it is not always present; the /boot/config file is the definitive source.
- ✓
/boot/config-5.10.0-9-amd64
Why this is correct
The config file stores all kernel configuration options used to build the kernel.
- ✗
/boot/System.map-5.10.0-9-amd64
Why it's wrong here
System.map contains kernel symbol addresses, not configuration options.
- ✗
/boot/initrd.img-5.10.0-9-amd64
Why it's wrong here
initrd is an initial ramdisk image, not a configuration file.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This LPIC-2 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-2 exam.