What is the purpose of the /etc/fstab file?

The /etc/fstab file plays a critical role in the Linux operating system by defining how disk partitions and devices are mounted at boot time or when requested by the system. This text file lists all available disk drives, their mount points, file system types, and related options.

When the system starts, it reads the /etc/fstab file to determine the configuration for mounting the file systems, which helps in automating the mounting process of disk drives, including hard disks, USB drives, and other storage devices. Each entry in this file details whether the filesystem is to be mounted automatically, during the boot sequence or manually, as well as the order in which they should be mounted.

This file is essential for system stability and accessibility, as it helps the operating system understand where to find the necessary file system components it needs to operate. Understanding the function of /etc/fstab is crucial for system administrators and anyone managing a Linux environment, as incorrect configurations can lead to boot failures or inaccessible data.

In contrast, the other options refer to different aspects of system configuration that do not pertain to the mounting of file systems. Setting user permissions involves different configurations related to access control, while configuring network settings would relate to files such as /etc/network/interfaces or