LPIC-2 Advanced Networking Configuration Practice Question
Which TWO statements about the /etc/hosts file are true?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates assume /etc/hosts is consulted after DNS due to its static nature, but the default NSS order places it before DNS, and the file does not configure DNS servers or network interface aliases.
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
✓
It can contain a line like '127.0.0.1 localhost'.
The /etc/hosts file maps hostnames to IP addresses, and the line '127.0.0.1 localhost' is the standard entry for the IPv4 loopback interface. This file is consulted by the system's resolver library before DNS queries are made, allowing local overrides for hostname resolution.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
It can contain a line like '127.0.0.1 localhost'.
Why this is correct
Common entry for loopback.
- ✓
It is used to resolve hostnames to IP addresses.
Why this is correct
Primary function.
- ✗
It configures the DNS servers to use.
Why it's wrong here
DNS servers are configured in /etc/resolv.conf.
- ✗
It is consulted after DNS by default.
Why it's wrong here
By default, /etc/hosts is checked before DNS (order in /etc/nsswitch.conf).
- ✗
It can define aliases for network interfaces.
Why it's wrong here
Aliases are defined in /etc/network/interfaces or using ip command.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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