mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
XK0-006 Practice Question: A database server is experiencing slow queries
A database server is experiencing slow queries. The administrator wants to analyze system memory usage. Which command shows memory usage in megabytes and includes information about buffers and cache?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the distinction between commands that show memory in raw kernel units (like /proc/meminfo in kB) versus those that offer user-friendly output with specific columns (like free -m), leading candidates to choose /proc/meminfo for its detail while missing the explicit requirement for megabytes and buffer/cache breakdown.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
free -m
The 'free -m' command displays system memory usage in megabytes, explicitly showing separate columns for buffers and cache, which are critical for diagnosing slow queries caused by memory pressure. This makes it the correct choice for the administrator's need to analyze memory usage with buffer/cache details in MB.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
free -m
Why this is correct
Correct: Displays memory in MB with buffers/cache.
- ✗
top -b
Why it's wrong here
Shows processes, not memory summary in MB.
- ✗
cat /proc/meminfo
Why it's wrong here
Shows raw memory info in kilobytes.
- ✗
vmstat
Why it's wrong here
Shows memory statistics but not in MB by default.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
One of 979 original XK0-006 practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This XK0-006 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 XK0-006 exam.