Fundamentals Linux MCQs for System Administrators

Practicing Linux MCQs is crucial for both system administrators and DevOps engineers aiming to excel in their roles. Linux, being the backbone of many server environments and cloud infrastructures, requires deep understanding and proficiency.

Tech professionals should continue to assess their knowledge because learning never stops. After all, companies continue to innovate to bring better solutions. And, better tools and products require enhanced skills as well.

Practicing Linux interview questions reinforces knowledge and ensures the expansion of your current skills.

Engaging in such activities sharpens problem-solving abilities, and prepares individuals for better opportunities, certifications, and real-world challenges, ultimately leading to more efficient and effective operations.

Linux offers powerful tools for automation, scripting, and system management, essential for DevOps practices. It allows the engineers to create robust and scalable infrastructure, and handle system configurations. Given these crucial roles, it becomes indispensable for tech professionals to do self-assessments to gauge their performance against the growing needs.

These questions test knowledge on the core components of the Linux operating system, such as the kernel, and essential directories. They also delve into file system hierarchy, basic file and directory operations, and command-line utilities for file and directory management.

Also Read: Top Linux Questions to Prepare for Your Next Interview

So, let’s dive straight into MCQs on Linux programming.

Linux MCQs with Answers for System Administrators

To be a successful DevOps Engineer in the tech giants, one needs to have a good understanding of Linux commands and a good level of practice in using them. You are required to have plenty of expertise and an attractive skill set to solve the interview questions easily. 

The MCQs also include questions on system navigation, user environment commands, and file manipulation commands. Network-related commands and system monitoring and management commands are also covered.

Q1. What constitutes the core of the Linux operating system

1. Vi Editor
2. Command Line
3. Terminal
4. Kernel

Answer: D. Kernel

Q2. Which directories are included in the Binary directory?

1. /bin
2. /sbin
3. /lib
4. All of the above

Answer: D. All of the above

Q3. Is a directory considered a type of file?

1. Yes
2. No

Answer: A. Yes

Q4. What symbol denotes the top-level directory?

1. ~
2. @
3. :
4. /

Answer: D. /

Q5. Which symbol represents the user's home directory?

1. ~
2. @
3. +
4. /

Answer: A. ~

Q6. Which Linux command tallies the total number of lines, words, and characters in a file?

1. count
2. wcount
3. wc
4. countw

Answer: C. wc

Q7. Which Linux command is employed to delete files?

1. remove
2. rm
3. delete
4. del

Answer: B. rm

Q8. Which Linux command within the vi Editor is employed to remove a single character?

1. d
2. r
3. x
4. c

Answer: C. x

Q9. Which Linux command discloses the current directory?

1. know
2. help
3. cwd
4. pwd

Answer: D. pwd

Q10. Which Linux command reveals all hidden files?

1. ls
2. ls -h
3. ls -a
4. dir -a

Answer: C. ls -a

Q11. Which Linux command is used to provide a comprehensive listing?

1. ls -F
2. ls -h
3. ls -a
4. dir -a

Answer: A. ls -F

Q12. What Linux command is employed to navigate back one directory from the current one?

1. cd..
2. cd
3. cd/
4. chdir

Answer: A) cd..

Q13. To create a new directory named XYZ, which command is used?

1. cd XYZ
2. chdir XYZ
3. mkdir XYZ
4. md XYZ

Answer: C. mkdir XYZ

Q14. Which Linux command is utilized to generate a new file?

1. create
2. file
3. tch
4. touch

Answer: D. touch

Q15. Which Linux command is utilized to copy files through the command line?

1. cp
2. copy
3. fcp
4. Filecopy

Answer: A. cp

Q16. Which Linux command is employed to move files through the command line?

1. move
2. mv
3. ren
4. loc

Answer: B. mv

Q17. What is the correct command syntax to rename a file "abc.txt" to "pqr.txt"?

1. mv abc.txt pqr.txt
2. mv pqr.txt abc.txt
3. mv -a pqr.txt abc.txt
4. mv -all pqr.txt abc.txt

Answer: A. mv abc.txt pqr.txt

Q18. Similar to the Windows Search command, which command is used in Linux?

1. search
2. find
3. findall
4. locate

Answer: D. locate

Q19. Which argument with the locate command allows ignoring the case while searching for files in the Linux system?

1. -c
2. -i
3. -a
4. -x

Answer: B. -i

Q20. What is the correct command syntax to locate a file containing the words "hello" and "this"?

1. locate -i hellothis
2. locate -i hellothis
3. locate -i hellothis*
4. locate -i hellothis**

Answer: A. locate -i hellothis

Q21. Which Linux command is used to display the content of a file?

1. display
2. show
3. echo
4. cat

Answer: D. cat

Q22. To execute a command with administrative or root privileges, which command is used?

1. sud
2. sudo
3. super
4. superuser

Answer: B. sudo

Q23. What does the "sudo" command stand for?

1. su
2. superuser does
3. superuser do
4. super do

Answer: C. superuser do

Q24. Which Linux command is used to view the available disk space in each partition of your system?

1. disk
2. diskspace
3. available
4. df

Answer: D. df

Q25. Which Linux command is used to check the computer's hostname?

1. hostname
2. host
3. comph
4. hname

Answer: A. hostname

Q26. Which command gives your IP address in your network?

1. hostname
2. hostname -I
3. host -I
4. hostname -i

Answer: B. hostname -I

Q27. Which Linux command is used to check your connection to a server?

1. connection
2. isconnect
3. check
4. ping

Answer: D. ping

Q28. Which Linux command is used to clear the terminal if it gets filled up with too many commands?

1. clear
2. clean
3. cls
4. clr

Answer: A. clear

Q29. What does OSS stand for?

1. Open System Software
2. Open Source Software
3. Open System Source
4. None of the above

Answer: B. Open Source Software

Q30. What is the purpose of the "du" command in Linux?

1. Display disk usage
2.  Delete files
3.  Display system uptime
4.  Rename files

Answer: A. Display disk usage

Q31. Which command is used to compress files in Linux?

1. zip
2. tar
3. gz
4. compress

Answer: B. tar

Q32. What is the purpose of the "ls" command in Linux?

1. List directory contents
2. Create a new directory
3. Display file permissions
4. Remove a file

Answer: A. List directory contents

Q33. Which command is used to display the manual pages for other commands?

1. help
2. man
3. info
4. guide

Answer: B. man

Q34. What is the purpose of the "df" command in Linux?

1. Display disk format
2. Display file contents
3. Display free disk space
4. Display file permissions

Answer: C. Display free disk space

Q35. Which command is used to list the currently running processes in Linux?

1. ps
2. top
3. proc
4. process

Answer: A. ps

Let's Get You Ready for the Next Coding Interview with IK!

With the increased demand for professionals who have a good understanding of Linux commands and system administration, it becomes necessary for aspiring IT professionals to spend their time and energy on effective resources to practice Linux MCQs.

It’s good to do a self-assessment, however, it’s even better to have a companion that can guide you through your interview preparation. 

Software Engineers with a passion for troubleshooting systems and automating large-scale operations can go for the Site Reliability Engineering Interview Masterclass. The program is also suitable for current SREs, DevOps Engineers who want to uplevel into FAANG+ companies.

The program also offers mock interviews, and 1:1 career coaching so that you can land your desired job. The instructors will also share interview strategies and salary negotiation support so that you excel in your interviews. 

FAQs: Linux Programming

Q1. Is Linux just as good as Windows?

It depends on personal preferences. Linux offers stability and customization, while Windows has broader software compatibility and professional support. Linux is often perceived as faster, especially in resource-intensive tasks, but performance may vary.

Q2. Can I run Linux on Windows?

No, you can run Linux either as an independent or together with Windows through dual-booting or virtualization.

Q3. How much does a Linux system administrator make?

A Linux system administrator in the USA makes around $111,707 per annum.

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