The answer is netstat -b. This command is correct because it lists all active network connections alongside the specific executable or process that initiated each connection, directly linking network activity to the responsible program. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your ability to identify suspicious network activity by combining process and connection data, a common scenario in security incident response. A frequent trap is confusing netstat -a, which shows all connections and listening ports but omits process names, or netstat -n, which displays addresses and ports numerically without process details. To remember, think of the -b flag as “binding” the connection to its binary—the executable file. This direct link makes netstat -b the go-to tool when you need to list active network connections with processes to spot potential malware or unauthorized communications.
220-1202 Windows Command-Line Tools Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows command-line tools. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A security incident is suspected on a Windows 10 workstation. You need to list all active network connections and the associated processes to identify potential malicious activity. Which command provides this information?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
netstat -b
The netstat -b command displays active connections along with the executable involved in creating each connection, making it ideal for identifying suspicious processes. Other options either show process information without network details or vice versa.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
netstat -a
Why it's wrong here
This shows all connections and listening ports but does not display the associated process name.
✓
netstat -b
Why this is correct
This shows active connections and the binary (process) that created them, directly linking network activity to processes.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
tasklist /svc
Why it's wrong here
This lists processes and services but does not show network connections.
✗
ipconfig /displaydns
Why it's wrong here
This displays the DNS resolver cache, not active connections or processes.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This shows all connections and listening ports but does not display the associated process name.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1202 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1202 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Windows Command-Line Tools — This question tests Windows Command-Line Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: netstat -b — The netstat -b command displays active connections along with the executable involved in creating each connection, making it ideal for identifying suspicious processes. Other options either show process information without network details or vice versa.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1202 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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