The correct answer is to use `useradd -m jdoe && chmod 700 /home/jdoe`. This works because the `-m` flag creates the home directory with default permissions of 755, which allows other users to enter and list its contents, so the `chmod 700` command is then applied to restrict access exclusively to the owner. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of Linux user creation and file permission management, often appearing as a scenario where you must ensure a private home directory for a new user. A common trap is assuming `useradd` alone sets restrictive permissions by default, or forgetting that `chmod 700` is needed after creation; the alternative `-K UMASK=0077` option can also achieve this in one step but is less frequently tested. Remember the memory tip: “700 locks the door, 755 leaves it open for a peek.”
220-1102 Linux Commands and File Permissions Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of linux commands and file permissions. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 system administrator needs to add a new user 'jdoe' to the system and ensure that their home directory is created with restrictive permissions so that no other users can access it. Which command sequence achieves this?
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.
This creates the user with a home directory and then sets the directory permissions to 700 (owner only), preventing others from accessing it.
B
useradd jdoe && chmod 755 /home/jdoe
Why wrong: 755 gives others read and execute, which allows them to list and enter the directory, not restrictive.
C
adduser jdoe --private
Why wrong: The adduser command may have a --private flag in some distributions, but it is not standard across all Linux systems; useradd is the universal tool.
D
useradd -m -g jdoe jdoe
Why wrong: This creates a group with the same name and sets it as primary, but does not change permissions; default permissions still apply.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
useradd -m jdoe && chmod 700 /home/jdoe
The useradd command with -m creates the home directory, and the default permissions are usually 755. To make it private, you need to change the permissions to 700 after creation, or use the -K UMASK=0077 option to set the umask during creation. The correct answer uses useradd with -m and then chmod 700.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
useradd -m jdoe && chmod 700 /home/jdoe
Why this is correct
This creates the user with a home directory and then sets the directory permissions to 700 (owner only), preventing others from accessing it.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
755 gives others read and execute, which allows them to list and enter the directory, not restrictive.
✗
adduser jdoe --private
Why it's wrong here
The adduser command may have a --private flag in some distributions, but it is not standard across all Linux systems; useradd is the universal tool.
✗
useradd -m -g jdoe jdoe
Why it's wrong here
This creates a group with the same name and sets it as primary, but does not change permissions; default permissions still apply.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The adduser command may have a --private flag in some distributions, but it is not standard across all Linux systems; useradd is the universal tool.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
→Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
→Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
→Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 220-1202 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Linux Commands and File Permissions — This question tests Linux Commands and File Permissions — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: useradd -m jdoe && chmod 700 /home/jdoe — The useradd command with -m creates the home directory, and the default permissions are usually 755. To make it private, you need to change the permissions to 700 after creation, or use the -K UMASK=0077 option to set the umask during creation. The correct answer uses useradd with -m and then chmod 700.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 220-1202 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This 220-1202 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1202 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.