What is the primary purpose of the 'fstab' file in a Linux system?

The primary purpose of the 'fstab' file in a Linux system is to define filesystem mounts at boot. This configuration file, typically located at /etc/fstab, contains information that the operating system uses to automatically mount filesystems when the system starts up. Each line in the 'fstab' file specifies a different filesystem, including details such as the device to be mounted, the mount point in the directory tree, the filesystem type, and mount options.

Having this configuration allows for a streamlined and automated system startup process, where desired partitions and drives are ready for use without requiring manual intervention. This ensures that all necessary filesystems are available for applications and users upon login, enhancing the overall functionality and efficiency of the system.

The other options relate to different aspects of system management. Storing user passwords pertains to security, which is typically handled by files like /etc/passwd or /etc/shadow. Configuring network settings usually involves files like /etc/network/interfaces or /etc/resolv.conf, while managing system processes is typically done through tools and commands related to the process scheduler and init systems. Each of these functions serves a distinct purpose separate from mounting filesystems as defined in the 'fstab' file.