Where are kernel module files typically located in a Linux system?

Kernel module files are typically located in the directory /lib/modules. This directory contains subdirectories associated with each kernel version that is currently installed on the system, and within those subdirectories, you can find the actual module files, which are used to extend the functionality of the kernel, such as adding support for new hardware or filesystems.

The /usr/lib/modules path does not hold kernel modules in standard configurations; instead, modules are directly in /lib/modules, making the latter the correct choice. Other directories mentioned, like /etc/modules and /usr/local/lib/modules, are generally used for configuration files or storing user-specific libraries, not for the kernel modules themselves. Understanding this structure is important for managing kernel modules effectively in a Linux environment.