Linux LPIC-1: Exam 101
The first half of LPIC-1, from the boot process to the command line. Learn the system architecture, packaging and core commands every Linux pro needs — and remember it with spaced repetition.
- flashcards
- 69
- flashcards
- per day
- ~10 min
- per day
- level
- Beginner → Intermediate
- level
- modules
- 4
- modules
What does Exam 101 cover?
LPIC-1 is the entry-level Linux certification, and Exam 101 covers the foundation: how a Linux system boots and is structured, how software is installed, and how you work from the shell.
This track maps to the official 101 objectives — system architecture (boot process, runlevels and systemd targets, hardware and kernel modules), installation and package management (dpkg/apt and rpm/yum/dnf), GNU and Unix commands (pipes, redirection, text processing, processes), and devices, filesystems and the FHS.
Each objective becomes bite-sized questions on the exact commands, flags and paths the exam tests — and spaced repetition keeps them in memory through exam day and into daily work.
4 modules, seed to bloom
Each module is a set of flashcards — 69 in total. Answer, review, and watch your knowledge grow from seed to full bloom.
System Architecture
Boot process, firmware, GRUB2, kernel modules, /proc & /sys, hardware listing, udev and systemd targets
14 cardsInstallation & Package Management
Partitioning, FHS layout, swap, Debian dpkg/apt, RPM yum/dnf, shared libraries and GRUB installation
16 cardsGNU & Unix Commands
Shell basics, quoting, pipes and redirection, text processing filters, regular expressions, process control and archiving
23 cardsDevices, Filesystems & FHS
Creating and mounting filesystems, fstab, fsck and tuning, disk usage, permissions and special bits, links, find and the FHS
16 cardsSample questions
A taste of the real flashcards. Pick an answer, then reveal the explanation.
What is the correct order of the traditional Linux boot process?
- AFirmware (BIOS/UEFI) → bootloader → kernel → init/systemd
- BBootloader → firmware (BIOS/UEFI) → init/systemd → kernel
- CKernel → firmware (BIOS/UEFI) → bootloader → init/systemd
- DInit/systemd → kernel → bootloader → firmware (BIOS/UEFI)
What does the bash environment variable PATH control?
- AThe directories searched, in order, to find executable commands
- BThe directories the dynamic linker searches for shared libraries
- CThe current working directory used by relative file paths
- DThe list of directories backed up by the system's cron jobs
What is the primary purpose of a Linux swap partition or file?
- ATo extend usable memory by paging out idle pages from RAM to disk
- BTo store the bootloader and kernel images needed to start the system
- CTo hold user home directories separately from the root filesystem
- DTo cache package downloads so apt and dnf reinstall faster
Which command creates an ext4 filesystem on a partition?
- A`mkfs.ext4 /dev/sda1`, which builds new inode tables and superblocks
- B`badblocks /dev/sda1`, which scans the media for unreadable sectors
- C`e2label /dev/sda1 data`, which only renames an existing filesystem
- D`mkswap /dev/sda1`, which prepares the partition as swap space
Learn it once, keep it for good
Answer a question
Each card is one practical concept with multiple options. Pick what you think is right.
Get the full answer
See the correct option plus a clear explanation, and a link to deeper docs when one is available.
Review at the right time
A spaced-repetition engine (SM-2 or FSRS) resurfaces each card just before you would forget it.
Why LPIC-1 101 is worth your time
A recognized Linux credential
LPIC-1 is a vendor-neutral certification employers know. Exam 101 is the first of its two halves.
Command-line fluency that lasts
The commands, flags and FHS paths here are the daily vocabulary of every Linux and DevOps role.
Built for retention
Exact flags and paths are easy to forget — spaced repetition is exactly the tool for memorizing them.
Foundation for more
It sets up Exam 102 and the practical DevOps Linux skills that build on these basics.
Common questions
Do I need Linux experience to start? +
A little helps, but the track starts from the boot process and basic commands, so motivated beginners can follow along.
Does this replace hands-on practice? +
No — it cements the facts the exam tests (commands, flags, paths). Pair it with a real terminal for the muscle memory.
Is it free? +
Yes, completely free. No registration or credit card is required, and all your progress is stored locally in your browser.
What about Exam 102? +
LPIC-1 requires both. The Exam 102 track covers the second half — scripting, services, networking and security.
Ready to pass LPIC-1 101?
Plant your first seed today. Ten minutes a day is all it takes to lock in the commands and paths the exam tests.
