Question

Which filesystem can be used to change certain kernel parameters at runtime using sysctl command?

1) Ext3
2) Sysfs
3) Ext4
4) None of the above

Answer 1

Sysfs is the special filesystem that exposes configuration nodes and kernel information, but to modify kernel parameters at runtime, the proc filesystem is used, specifically through files in /proc/sys or via the sysctl command.

Step-by-step explanation:

The filesystem that can be used to change certain kernel parameters at runtime using the sysctl command is not one of the traditional file storage systems like Ext3 or Ext4. Instead, it is a special filesystem provided by the Linux kernel known as sysfs. Sysfs is mounted under /sys directory and exposes a lot of information and configuration nodes pertaining to the kernel and connected devices. However, for directly modifying kernel parameters at runtime, the proc filesystem is used, notably through files within /proc/sys. Modifying these files or using the sysctl command interface allows system administrators to change kernel parameters dynamically.