RHEL Linux - Red Hat System Administration Practice Exam

In Linux, which directory typically contains user home directories?

1. /etc

2. /home

3. /usr

4. /var

The correct answer is: /home

The directory that typically contains user home directories in Linux is indeed /home. This is a standard directory where personal directories for users are created. Each user on the system usually has a subdirectory within /home named after their username. For instance, if a user named 'john' exists, their home directory would be located at /home/john. This structure is important because it provides a designated space for users to store their personal files, configuration settings, and data. The /home directory separates user-specific data from system files, maintaining organizational clarity and security. Permissions on these directories are typically set so that only the respective user has access to their home directory, protecting their data from unauthorized access. The other directories serve different purposes: /etc contains configuration files for the system, /usr is used for user applications and software, and /var holds variable data such as logs and databases. Hence, understanding the purpose of each of these directories emphasizes why /home is the appropriate choice for user home directories.