LPIC-2 Linux Kernel and System Startup Practice Question
An administrator wants to limit the size of the kernel ring buffer to prevent memory overflow. Which kernel boot parameter should be used?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse kernel boot parameters with sysctl or configuration file settings, leading them to pick plausible-sounding but nonexistent options like `log_size` or `dmesg_size` instead of the correct `log_buf_len`.
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
✓
log_buf_len
`log_buf_len` is the kernel boot parameter that explicitly sets the size of the kernel ring buffer (dmesg buffer). By specifying a value (e.g., `log_buf_len=4M`), the administrator can increase or limit the buffer size to prevent memory overflow when a large volume of kernel messages is generated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
log_buf_len
Why this is correct
log_buf_len sets the kernel log buffer size (e.g., log_buf_len=4M).
- ✗
log_size
Why it's wrong here
This is not a valid kernel parameter.
- ✗
kernel.log.size
Why it's wrong here
This is not a kernel parameter; log size is set via log_buf_len.
- ✗
dmesg_size
Why it's wrong here
This is not a valid kernel parameter.
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JA
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.