LPIC-2 Linux Kernel and System Startup Practice Question
Which TWO of the following commands can be used to load a kernel module into the running kernel?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse `depmod` with `modprobe`, thinking `depmod` loads modules because it 'prepares' them, or they forget that `insmod` is a valid but lower-level loading command.
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
✓
insmod
Both `insmod` and `modprobe` can load a kernel module into the running kernel. `insmod` directly inserts a single module file (e.g., `.ko` file) into the kernel, but it does not resolve dependencies automatically. `modprobe` is a higher-level tool that uses the module dependency file (`modules.dep`) to load a module along with any required dependencies, making it the preferred method for most situations.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
insmod
Why this is correct
insmod loads a module directly from a file.
- ✗
depmod
Why it's wrong here
depmod generates module dependency information; it does not load modules.
- ✗
rmmod
Why it's wrong here
rmmod removes a module from the running kernel.
- ✓
modprobe
Why this is correct
modprobe loads a module along with its dependencies.
- ✗
modinfo
Why it's wrong here
modinfo displays information about a kernel module, but does not load it.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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