Linux System Installation & Configuration Flashcards

What is the first step when installing Linux on a new system?

Answer: Creating a bootable installation media

The very first step when installing Linux on a new system is to create a bootable installation media, such as a USB drive or DVD. This media contains the Linux operating system installer and allows the computer to boot into the installation environment. Without a bootable medium, the system cannot load the necessary files to begin the installation process.

Which Linux installation method allows installation over the network?

Answer: PXE Boot Network installation

PXE (Preboot eXecution Environment) Boot Network installation is a method that allows a computer to boot and install an operating system over a network without needing local storage or an optical drive. This is particularly useful for deploying Linux to multiple machines efficiently in a corporate or data center environment. It centralizes the installation process and reduces manual effort.

What is the purpose of the partitioning step during Linux installation?

Answer: To divide the disk into logical sections

During Linux installation, partitioning is the process of dividing a physical hard disk drive into one or more logical sections, known as partitions. Each partition can then be formatted with a specific filesystem and used for different purposes, such as the root directory, swap space, or user home directories. This organization helps manage disk space and system resources effectively.

Which bootloader is most commonly installed with Linux systems?

Answer: GRUB

GRUB (GRand Unified Bootloader) is the most commonly installed bootloader with modern Linux systems. Its primary function is to load the operating system kernel into memory and pass control to it, allowing the system to start up. GRUB supports multiple operating systems and offers a flexible configuration for booting various kernels or even other operating systems installed on the same machine.

What is the default file system commonly used during Linux installation?

Answer: Ext4

Ext4 (Fourth Extended Filesystem) is the default and most commonly used file system for Linux installations. It is a journaling file system that offers improved performance, reliability, and larger file system and file size limits compared to its predecessors. Its robustness and widespread adoption make it the standard choice for most Linux distributions.

During installation, what does setting the root password accomplish?

Answer: It secures the admin account

Setting the root password during Linux installation is crucial for securing the superuser account, known as 'root'. This password grants administrative privileges, allowing full control over the system. A strong root password prevents unauthorized users from gaining complete access and compromising system security.

What does the 'kickstart' file do in automated Linux installations?

Answer: Automates installation using predefined settings

A kickstart file is a configuration file used in automated Linux installations, particularly with Red Hat-based distributions. It contains all the necessary information, such as partition layouts, network settings, and package selections, to perform an unattended installation. This allows for consistent and rapid deployment of multiple systems without manual intervention.

Which command is used to check disk partitions in Linux after installation?

Answer: fdisk -l

The `fdisk -l` command is used to list the partition tables for the specified devices or, by default, all devices. The `-l` option specifically instructs `fdisk` to list the partition tables rather than entering its interactive mode. This provides a comprehensive overview of how disks are partitioned on the system.

What is the role of the /etc/fstab file in Linux?

Answer: It defines disk partitions and mount points

The `/etc/fstab` file (filesystem table) is a critical system configuration file that defines how disk partitions and network shares are mounted at boot time. It specifies the device, mount point, file system type, and mount options for each entry. This ensures that necessary file systems are automatically accessible when the system starts.