- A
Use the command 'chmod g+s /shared' to set the SGID bit on the directory.
SGID on a directory causes new files to inherit the directory's group.
- B
Use the command 'setfacl -m g:devteam:rw /shared' to set an ACL on the directory.
Why wrong: This sets an ACL for the group on the directory itself, but does not affect new files; default ACLs are needed.
- C
Use the command 'chmod 2770 /shared' to set permissions with SGID and full access for owner and group.
Why wrong: While this sets SGID, it also sets permissions directly, but does not guarantee new files inherit group read/write unless ACLs are used with default entries.
- D
Use the command 'umask 0007' to set the umask for the directory.
Why wrong: umask affects the file creation mask of the shell, not the directory; it would need to be set in the environment, but is not a directory attribute.
- E
Use the command 'setfacl -d -m g:devteam:rw /shared' to set a default ACL on the directory.
Default ACLs are inherited by new files and directories.
XK0-005 System Management Practice Question
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of system management. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 Linux administrator is configuring file permissions for a shared directory used by a development team. The administrator wants to ensure that any new files created in the directory inherit the group ownership of the directory and that the group has read and write permissions on those files. Which TWO actions should the administrator take? (Choose TWO.)
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
Use the command 'chmod g+s /shared' to set the SGID bit on the directory.
Setting the SGID bit (chmod g+s) on the directory ensures new files inherit the group ownership. Using an ACL with default entries (setfacl -d) can set default permissions for new files.
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.
- ✓
Use the command 'chmod g+s /shared' to set the SGID bit on the directory.
Why this is correct
SGID on a directory causes new files to inherit the directory's group.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✗
Use the command 'setfacl -m g:devteam:rw /shared' to set an ACL on the directory.
Why it's wrong here
This sets an ACL for the group on the directory itself, but does not affect new files; default ACLs are needed.
- ✗
Use the command 'chmod 2770 /shared' to set permissions with SGID and full access for owner and group.
Why it's wrong here
While this sets SGID, it also sets permissions directly, but does not guarantee new files inherit group read/write unless ACLs are used with default entries.
- ✗
Use the command 'umask 0007' to set the umask for the directory.
Why it's wrong here
umask affects the file creation mask of the shell, not the directory; it would need to be set in the environment, but is not a directory attribute.
- ✓
Use the command 'setfacl -d -m g:devteam:rw /shared' to set a default ACL on the directory.
Why this is correct
Default ACLs are inherited by new files and directories.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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.
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 security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related XK0-005 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this XK0-005 question test?
System Management — This question tests System Management — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use the command 'chmod g+s /shared' to set the SGID bit on the directory. — Setting the SGID bit (chmod g+s) on the directory ensures new files inherit the group ownership. Using an ACL with default entries (setfacl -d) can set default permissions for new files.
What should I do if I get this XK0-005 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 XK0-005 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This XK0-005 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 XK0-005 exam.
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