The answer is to add the web server user to the www-data group using `usermod -aG www-data www-data`. This is correct because the directory `/var/www/html` has permissions `drwxr-x---`, meaning the owner (root) has full access, the group (www-data) has read and execute, and others have none. Since the web server runs as user `www-data`, that user must be a member of the group `www-data` to inherit those group permissions; otherwise, it falls into the “others” category and is denied read access. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of Linux file permissions and user group membership—a common trap is assuming `chmod` is needed when the group permissions are already correct. Remember: if the group already has `r-x` but the user still can’t access the directory, the user likely isn’t in the group. Memory tip: “Group grants, user must join”—verify membership before modifying permissions.
220-1202 Linux Commands and File Permissions Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of linux commands and file permissions. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 technician is troubleshooting a web server that is not serving pages from /var/www/html. The directory permissions are drwxr-x--- and the web server runs as user 'www-data'. The directory is owned by root:www-data. Which command will allow the web server to read the directory and its contents?
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
✓
usermod -aG www-data www-data
The correct answer is A because chmod g+rx /var/www/html adds read and execute for the group (www-data), which matches the web server user. The current group permissions are r-x, but execute is needed to traverse the directory; however, the issue is that the group already has r-x, so the correct answer is actually B. Let me correct: The group www-data already has r-x, so the web server should have access. The problem may be that the user www-data is not in the group? No, the directory is owned by root:www-data, so group permissions apply. Actually, the correct answer is B because chmod o+rx adds read and execute for others, which includes www-data if it is not in the group. But the question says the directory is owned by root:www-data, so www-data is the group. Therefore, the group already has r-x, so the web server should have access. The scenario might be that the permissions are drwxr-x---, meaning group has r-x, others have none. If www-data is in the group, it works. If not, it fails. The technician should ensure www-data is in the group. The best command is chmod g+rx, but it's already there. The correct answer is D: usermod -aG www-data www-data adds the user to the group. This is the most appropriate fix. I'll adjust the options accordingly.
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.
✗
chmod g+rx /var/www/html
Why it's wrong here
This adds group read/execute, but the group already has r-x, so this does not change anything if the user is not in the group.
✗
chmod o+rx /var/www/html
Why it's wrong here
This adds read/execute for others, which would work but is less secure than adding the user to the group.
✗
chown www-data:www-data /var/www/html
Why it's wrong here
This changes ownership to www-data, which may work but is not the standard practice; the web server user should be in the group.
✓
usermod -aG www-data www-data
Why this is correct
This adds the user www-data to the group www-data, ensuring the group permissions apply, which is the correct approach.
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.
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.
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.
Linux Commands and File Permissions — This question tests Linux Commands and File Permissions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: usermod -aG www-data www-data — The correct answer is A because chmod g+rx /var/www/html adds read and execute for the group (www-data), which matches the web server user. The current group permissions are r-x, but execute is needed to traverse the directory; however, the issue is that the group already has r-x, so the correct answer is actually B. Let me correct: The group www-data already has r-x, so the web server should have access. The problem may be that the user www-data is not in the group? No, the directory is owned by root:www-data, so group permissions apply. Actually, the correct answer is B because chmod o+rx adds read and execute for others, which includes www-data if it is not in the group. But the question says the directory is owned by root:www-data, so www-data is the group. Therefore, the group already has r-x, so the web server should have access. The scenario might be that the permissions are drwxr-x---, meaning group has r-x, others have none. If www-data is in the group, it works. If not, it fails. The technician should ensure www-data is in the group. The best command is chmod g+rx, but it's already there. The correct answer is D: usermod -aG www-data www-data adds the user to the group. This is the most appropriate fix. I'll adjust the options accordingly.
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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