LPIC-2 Linux Kernel and System Startup Practice Question
This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of linux kernel and system startup. 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.
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?
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
Option B is correct because /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.
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.
✗
/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.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
/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.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates 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.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The kernel build system uses a .config file to determine which features, drivers, and modules are compiled. When building an external module, the kernel source tree's scripts/mod/modpost.c and Makefile rely on the configuration to set module dependencies and flags. A real-world scenario is when a system administrator needs to compile a custom network driver for a new NIC; copying /boot/config-* to the source tree as .config and running 'make oldconfig' ensures the module matches the running kernel's ABI, avoiding 'Unknown symbol' errors at module insertion.
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.
Linux Kernel and System Startup — This question tests Linux Kernel and System Startup — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: /boot/config-5.10.0-9-amd64 — Option B is correct because /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.
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.
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 →
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.
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.
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.