CompTIA Linux+ (XK0-006)System ManagementEasy
A technician wants to view detailed information about a kernel module, including its version, license, dependencies, and parameters, without actually loading it into the running kernel. Which command should be used?
- Adepmod -a
- Bmodprobe -r module_name
- Cmodinfo module_name
- Dlsmod
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. modinfo module_name
The 'modinfo' command displays metadata about a kernel module, such as version, license, description, dependencies, and parameters, by reading the module file directly without loading it. 'lsmod' only lists currently loaded modules, 'modprobe -r' removes a module, and 'depmod -a' rebuilds module dependency lists.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Regenerates modules.dep files, not module details.
- B. Removes a loaded module rather than showing information.
- D. Only shows currently loaded modules, no metadata about unloaded ones.
modinfo
Command that displays metadata (version, dependencies, parameters) about a kernel module file without loading it.
- Reads .ko module files directly
- Does not require the module to be loaded
- Useful before deciding to modprobe a module
Memory trick: Modinfo = the module's info card, no need to load it first.