This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of network client management. 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.
Which file on a Linux client determines the order in which different name resolution methods (e.g., hosts file, DNS, LDAP) are consulted?
/etc/host.conf
Why wrong: This file only affects hostname resolution, but nsswitch.conf is the modern way.
/etc/resolv.conf
Why wrong: This file specifies DNS servers, not the resolution order.
/etc/nsswitch.conf
This file defines the order of name resolution methods for various databases.
/etc/named.conf
Why wrong: This is the BIND DNS server configuration file.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
/etc/nsswitch.conf
Option C is correct because /etc/nsswitch.conf (Name Service Switch) controls the order and sources for system databases like 'hosts', 'passwd', and 'group'. For hostname resolution, the 'hosts' line specifies the lookup order (e.g., 'files dns ldap'), meaning the system checks /etc/hosts first, then DNS, then LDAP. This file is the central configuration for name resolution order on Linux systems.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
/etc/host.conf
Why it's wrong here
This file only affects hostname resolution, but nsswitch.conf is the modern way.
/etc/resolv.conf
Why it's wrong here
This file specifies DNS servers, not the resolution order.
/etc/nsswitch.conf
Why this is correct
This file defines the order of name resolution methods for various databases.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
/etc/named.conf
Why it's wrong here
This is the BIND DNS server configuration file.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse /etc/resolv.conf (which only sets DNS servers and search domains) with the file that controls the overall resolution order, leading them to pick option B instead of C.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, glibc's nsswitch module (libnss) reads /etc/nsswitch.conf and dynamically loads shared libraries (e.g., libnss_files.so, libnss_dns.so, libnss_ldap.so) in the specified order. The 'hosts' line can include actions like '[NOTFOUND=return]' to stop lookup if a source returns 'not found', which is critical for failover behavior. In real-world scenarios, misconfiguring this order can cause slow logins if LDAP is queried before local files for user authentication.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Network Client Management — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Network Client Management practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All LPIC-2 questions
511 questions across all exam domains
Linux Professional Institute Certification Level 2 LPIC-2 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
LPIC-2 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to Linux Kernel and System Startup.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to Block Devices, Filesystems and Advanced Storage.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to Advanced Networking Configuration.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to DNS, Web and Mail Services.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to File Sharing and Samba.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to System Security.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to Network Client Management.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to LPIC-2 fundamentals.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to LPIC-2 scenario.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to LPIC-2 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Network Client Management — This question tests Network Client Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: /etc/nsswitch.conf — Option C is correct because /etc/nsswitch.conf (Name Service Switch) controls the order and sources for system databases like 'hosts', 'passwd', and 'group'. For hostname resolution, the 'hosts' line specifies the lookup order (e.g., 'files dns ldap'), meaning the system checks /etc/hosts first, then DNS, then LDAP. This file is the central configuration for name resolution order on Linux systems.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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 →
Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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.