LPIC-2 Linux Kernel and System Startup Practice Question
Network Topology
Refer to the exhibit. Which kernel version will be booted by default when using a standard GRUB2 configuration that uses the symlinks vmlinuz and initrd.img?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often assume GRUB2 automatically selects the highest versioned kernel based on version string comparison, when in reality it relies on the symlinks `vmlinuz` and `initrd.img` to determine the default boot entry.
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
✓
5.10.0-9-amd64
In a standard GRUB2 configuration, the symlinks `vmlinuz` and `initrd.img` point to the latest installed kernel version. When GRUB2 generates its boot menu using `update-grub` (or `grub-mkconfig`), it reads these symlinks to create the default boot entry. Therefore, the default booted kernel is the one pointed to by these symlinks, which in this case is 5.10.0-9-amd64.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Depends on GRUB_DEFAULT setting, but if not set, it will boot the highest versioned kernel
Why it's wrong here
While GRUB usually picks the highest version, the symlinks are the decisive factor; the configuration may not always sort correctly, but standard default behavior follows symlinks.
- ✗
It will prompt to choose between the two kernels
Why it's wrong here
Unless configured with GRUB_DEFAULT=saved or other options, GRUB uses the boot entry that references the symlinks, which points to the newer kernel.
- ✓
5.10.0-9-amd64
Why this is correct
The symlinks are updated to point to the latest installed kernel, so GRUB uses that as default.
- ✗
5.10.0-8-amd64
Why it's wrong here
The symlink vmlinuz points to vmlinuz-5.10.0-9, not the 5.10.0-8 version.
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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.