LPIC-2 Linux Kernel and System Startup Practice Question
Which THREE of the following are standard steps in compiling and installing a custom Linux kernel from source? (Choose three.)
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse `make modules_install` as a core compilation step rather than a post-compilation installation step, and may overlook that `make install` is the standard step for installing the kernel image itself, while `make oldconfig` is a configuration update tool, not a standard step in a fresh build.
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
✓
make menuconfig
`make menuconfig` is a standard step that launches a text-based menu-driven interface for configuring kernel options before compilation. This step allows the user to select which features, drivers, and modules to include in the kernel build, generating the `.config` file that guides the subsequent compilation.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
make modules_install
Why it's wrong here
This installs the compiled modules, but it is typically run as part of 'make install', so it is not always a separate step.
- ✓
make menuconfig
Why this is correct
This step configures the kernel features and modules before compilation.
- ✓
make install
Why this is correct
This installs the kernel, runs modules_install, and updates the bootloader.
- ✓
make
Why this is correct
This compiles the kernel image and modules.
- ✗
make oldconfig
Why it's wrong here
This is used to update an existing .config file for a new kernel version, not a standard step for a fresh compilation.
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