12. A Linux user needs to display their system’s IP address and network configuration details. Which command should they use?

Answer: C

Explanation:

To display their system’s IP address and network configuration details, the user should use the ifconfig command.

The ifconfig command is specifically designed to configure and display network interfaces, making it the most suitable choice for viewing IP address and network configuration details.

A) traceroute

Traceroute is a network diagnostic tool used to trace the path that packets take from one network host to another. It does not provide information about the local system's IP address or network configuration, making it unsuitable for the user's needs.

B) netstat

Netstat is a command-line tool that displays network connections, routing tables, and interface statistics. While it provides useful network information, it does not specifically focus on displaying the IP address or detailed network configuration settings like ifconfig does.

C) ifconfig

The ifconfig command is used to configure network interfaces and display their status, including the IP address and other network configuration details. This command directly fulfills the user's requirement to view their system's IP address and network settings.

D) ping

Ping is a utility used to test the reachability of a host on an Internet Protocol (IP) network. It sends ICMP echo request messages to a target host and reports the response times. However, it does not provide any information about the local system's IP address or network configuration.

Conclusion

The ifconfig command is the definitive choice for displaying a Linux user's IP address and network configuration details, as it is specifically designed for this purpose. In contrast, traceroute, netstat, and ping serve different functions that do not meet the user's requirement for viewing local network settings.