LPIC-2 Linux Kernel and System Startup Practice Question
This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of linux kernel and system startup. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
kvm
The `lsmod` command shows that `kvm` has a 'Used by' count of 1, indicating another module is currently using it. The 'Used by' column lists the modules that depend on the given module, so `kvm` is in use by another module (likely `kvm_intel` or `kvm_amd`). This is the correct interpretation because the question asks which module is currently in use by another module, and `kvm` is the one with a non-zero 'Used by' value.
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.
✗
usb_storage
Why it's wrong here
usb_storage has 'Used by 0'.
✗
kvm_intel
Why it's wrong here
kvm_intel has 'Used by 0' (it uses kvm, but is not used by another module).
✗
aesni_intel
Why it's wrong here
aesni_intel has 'Used by 0'.
✓
kvm
Why this is correct
kvm is used by kvm_intel.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often misinterpret the 'Used by' column as showing which modules are being used by the listed module, rather than which modules are using the listed module, leading them to incorrectly select `kvm_intel` or `usb_storage`.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The 'Used by' column in `lsmod` output reflects the module dependency count, which is maintained by the kernel module loader. When a module like `kvm_intel` is loaded, it increments the 'Used by' count of `kvm` because `kvm_intel` depends on `kvm`. This mechanism ensures that a module cannot be unloaded while another module depends on it, preventing kernel crashes. In real-world scenarios, this is critical for virtualization hosts where `kvm` must remain loaded as long as any KVM-based hypervisor module is active.
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 practitioner preparing for the LPIC-2 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
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: kvm — The `lsmod` command shows that `kvm` has a 'Used by' count of 1, indicating another module is currently using it. The 'Used by' column lists the modules that depend on the given module, so `kvm` is in use by another module (likely `kvm_intel` or `kvm_amd`). This is the correct interpretation because the question asks which module is currently in use by another module, and `kvm` is the one with a non-zero 'Used by' value.
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.
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Question Discussion
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