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.
Which sysctl parameter controls the system's behavior when a kernel oops occurs (e.g., automatically reboot)?
vm.panic_on_oom
Why wrong: This controls behavior on out-of-memory, not oops.
kernel.unknown_nmi_panic
Why wrong: This controls behavior on an unknown NMI, not oops.
kernel.panic_on_oops
Setting this to 1 causes a panic on oops, which can then trigger a reboot via kernel.panic.
kernel.oops
Why wrong: There is no such sysctl parameter.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
kernel.panic_on_oops
The `kernel.panic_on_oops` sysctl parameter controls the system's behavior when a kernel oops occurs. Setting it to 1 causes the kernel to panic on an oops, and if `kernel.panic` is also set to a positive value (e.g., seconds before reboot), the system will automatically reboot after the panic. This is the correct parameter for triggering a reboot on an oops.
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.
vm.panic_on_oom
Why it's wrong here
This controls behavior on out-of-memory, not oops.
kernel.unknown_nmi_panic
Why it's wrong here
This controls behavior on an unknown NMI, not oops.
kernel.panic_on_oops
Why this is correct
Setting this to 1 causes a panic on oops, which can then trigger a reboot via kernel.panic.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
kernel.oops
Why it's wrong here
There is no such sysctl parameter.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse `kernel.panic_on_oops` with `vm.panic_on_oom` or assume a non-existent parameter like `kernel.oops` exists, because both involve panic behavior but apply to entirely different kernel events (oops vs. OOM).
Detailed technical explanation
A kernel oops is a deviation from correct behavior in the kernel, often due to a bug or hardware issue, but it does not always cause a system crash. Setting `kernel.panic_on_oops=1` converts an oops into a full kernel panic, which then respects the `kernel.panic` timeout (e.g., `kernel.panic=10` for a 10-second delay before reboot). This is critical in production environments where automatic recovery from kernel faults is required, such as in high-availability clusters or embedded systems.
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
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FAQ
Linux Kernel and System Startup — This question tests Linux Kernel and System Startup — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: kernel.panic_on_oops — The `kernel.panic_on_oops` sysctl parameter controls the system's behavior when a kernel oops occurs. Setting it to 1 causes the kernel to panic on an oops, and if `kernel.panic` is also set to a positive value (e.g., seconds before reboot), the system will automatically reboot after the panic. This is the correct parameter for triggering a reboot on an oops.
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.
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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.
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