Linux Administrator Interview Questions & Answers

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Linux administrators are back-end IT specialists who install, configure, and maintain Linux operating systems in a variety of organizations. This role involves server-side operations and troubleshooting tasks that support business-critical and development activities.

Linux administrators also configure user access and monitor system stability and security through deployment and everyday use.

Whether you're a job seeker preparing to be interviewed for the role of Linux Administrator or an employer preparing to interview candidates for Linux Administrator position, these Linux Administrator interview questions will help you prepare yourself for the job interview session.

Linux Administrator Interview Questions

Below are a list of some skill-based Linux Administrator interview questions.

1. What does it mean when you say that Linux is free software?
2. What are some of the most popular Linux distributions?
3. Which file stores information about all user accounts on a Linux machine?
4. What are the differences between Linux and Windows OS?
5. Explain the differences between a UNIX and LINUX system?
6. What are the basic elements of LINUX?
7. Can you explain what LILO is?
8. Describe a service that you might disable on a LINUX server.
9. How would you check memory and CPU statistics?
10. Why would Logical Volume Manager (LVM) be required?
11. Where are SAR logs stored?
12. Can you explain how to remotely login with SSH?
13. Describe how you would reduce the size of an LVM partition.
14. Describe how you would increase the size of an LVM partition.
15. Where would you locate kernel modules?
16. Explain the different network bonding modes used in LINUX.
17. What would you do to enhance the security of password files stored in LINUX?
18. Describe which shell you would assign to POP3 mail-only account.
19. Explain how you would create a partition from a raw disk.
20. How is the umask command used in a LINUX system?
21. Which command is used to uncompress gzip files?
22. Can you explain what a runlevel is in the context of Linux? How many different runlevels are there?
23. What are the advantages of using SSH over other remote command line tools like telnet or rlogin?
24. What are the modes used in VI editor?
25. What’s the best way to restrict access to files based on groups?
26. What is a virtual desktop?
27. Is it possible to change permissions for multiple users at once in Linux? If yes, then how?
28. Can you explain what the sudo command can be used for?
29. What do you understand by Linux boot process?
30. How do you exit from vi editor?
31. What are System V scripts?
32. What degrees do you have?
33. What are the file permissions in Linux?
34. How would you describe your skill level in this field?
35. Why do you want to work as a Linux administrator?
36. What are some of your professional accomplishments?
37. What is the difference between soft and hard mounting points?
38. How did you help your past organization achieve goals?
39. Can you explain what initrd is? How does it work?
40. What is the purpose of an init script?
41. How can you find out which processes are running on your Linux box?
42. What are the ways you can restart your computer from the command line?
43. How can you make sure that a service runs automatically every time you reboot your server?
44. What happens if you execute the ./configure command without any options?
45. What’s the difference between kernel version 2.x and 3.x?
46. How does a Linux distribution differ from its kernel?
47. Explain how you would assign the umask to a user permanently.
48. What would you do to change the default run level?
49. Describe your process for creating an ext4 file system.
50. How would you use NFS to share a directory?
51. What is a "/proc" file system?
52. What are some differences between an ext2 and ext3 file system?
53. Can you explain the differences between DOS and BASH?
54. Explain the meaning of CLI.
55. What is the meaning of GUI?
56. How would you use Terminal to create a file in LINUX?
57. What is the purpose of systemd?

Linux Administrator Interview Questions and Answers

Every interview is different and the questions may vary. However, there are lots of general questions that get asked at every interview.

Below are some common questions you'd expect during Linux Administrator interviews. Click on each question to see how to answer them.

1. What is Your Greatest Weakness?
2. What is Your Salary Expectation?
3. Tell Me About Yourself
4. Why Do You Want To Leave Your Current Job?
5. Are You a Leader or a Follower?
6. What is Your Greatest Strength?
7. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?
8. Why Should We Hire You?
9. What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment?
10. Why Do You Want This Job?

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