CompTIA Linux+ (XK0-006)System ManagementMedium
A technician wants an entry in /etc/fstab for /dev/sdb1 mounted at /backup to NOT be mounted automatically during boot, but still allow an administrator to run 'mount /backup' manually later. Which mount option should be added to that fstab entry?
- Anoauto
- Bdefaults
- Cnofail
- Dro
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. noauto
The noauto option tells the system to skip mounting the filesystem automatically at boot (or with 'mount -a'), while still keeping the entry defined so it can be mounted manually by referencing its mount point or device.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. defaults includes rw, suid, dev, exec, auto, nouser, async — it would still auto-mount at boot.
- C. nofail prevents boot failure if the device is missing, but the filesystem would still attempt to auto-mount.
- D. ro mounts the filesystem read-only but does not affect whether it auto-mounts.
fstab noauto Option
noauto is an /etc/fstab mount option that prevents a filesystem entry from being mounted automatically at boot or by 'mount -a', while still allowing manual mounting.
- Used for removable or occasional-use filesystems
- Entry still defines device, mount point, and fs type
- Combine with nofail for optional devices that may be missing
Memory trick: 'noauto = the door stays shut till you knock (mount) yourself.'