Kernel Modules and Concepts for Red Hat - Quiz Explanation

The correct answers are indicated below, along with text that explains the correct answers.

1. What purpose does /etc/conf.modules serve?
Please select the best answer.
  A. To list which modules can be loaded and which modules can not.
  B. To describe modules' configuration when they're loaded.
  C. To start modules at the appropriate times.
  D. To configure the modprobe program.
  The correct answer is B.
/etc/conf.modules describes modules' configuration when they're loaded.
A is incorrect because Linux does not limit which modules can load. C is incorrect because kmod and modprobe start modules at the appropriate times. D is incorrect because the modprobe program does not require configuration.

2. What benefit does a monolithic kernel have over a modular kernel?
Please select the best answer.
  A. A monolithic kernel is easier to configure and build.
  B. A monolithic kernel manages more resources simultaneously.
  C. A monolithic kernel is smaller than a modular kernel.
  D. A monolithic kernel loads slightly faster than a modular kernel.
  The correct answer is D.
A monolithic kernel loads slightly faster than a modular kernel.
A is incorrect because both monolithic and modular require their own substantial configuration. B is incorrect because a monolithic kernel functions identically as a modular kernel, from the user's perspective. C is incorrect because a monolithic kernel is not necessarily smaller than a modular kernel; in fact, it's usually larger.

3. What is the benefit of demand-loading modules?
Please select the best answer.
  A. To prevent the user from building a monolithic kernel.
  B. To keep the administrator from configuring modules.
  C. To isolate all module functionality into a single kernel thread, kmod.
  D. To provide a module's functionality as soon as it's needed and not before.
  The correct answer is D.
The benefit of demand-loading modules is that they provide a module's functionality only when demanded.
A is incorrect because demand loading does not prevent the user from building a monolithic kernel. B is incorrect because the administrator should configure the modules for proper operation, and demand loading does not affect module configuration.
C is incorrect because the demand loading does not isolate all module functionality into kmod.