Selecting a private key explicitly | LinuC Level 1 101 Exam original practice question

1.01.1Basic

Connect to server.example using ~/.ssh/project_key.

The key has a non-default name, so specify it on the command line.

Which command is appropriate?

Hint 1: Focus on the requirement

Look for the option that selects a non-default identity file on the SSH client.

Hint 2: Key terms

Review the short definitions before comparing the command or configuration choices.

-i: The OpenSSH client option for selecting an identity (private-key) file.
Identity file: A client-side file containing a private key used to authenticate.
Private key: The secret half of a public-key pair that must remain under the owner’s control.

Detailed explanation

Incorrectssh -p ~/.ssh/project_key server.example

Incorrect. -p selects a TCP port, not a key file.

Incorrectssh -k ~/.ssh/project_key server.example

Incorrect. -k does not select the identity file in this command.

Incorrectssh -K ~/.ssh/project_key server.example

Incorrect. -K is not the standard identity-file option.

Correctssh -i ~/.ssh/project_key server.example

Correct. ssh -i ~/.ssh/project_key server.example selects the specified key.

An example you can run in a temporary verification environment.

ssh -G -i ~/.ssh/project_key server.example | grep '^identityfile'

接続せず、指定identity fileを含む設定を表示する

Environment: OpenSSH 9.x
Use a disposable VM or test account when validating installation and SSH behavior.
Exact command output can vary slightly by distribution and OpenSSH version.

Foundation review

Port and other single-letter options can look similar, but they change different connection parameters.

Check the resolved identity-file path and its permissions before attempting a real connection.

Question IDKL-101-308

EnvironmentOpenSSH 9.x

Last technical review2026-08-13

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