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XK0-006 Practice Question: A Linux administrator is troubleshooting a server…
A Linux administrator is troubleshooting a server that intermittently becomes unresponsive. The administrator suspects a memory leak. Which command should be used to monitor memory usage over time and identify the consuming process?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often confuse system-wide memory reporting (`free -h`) with per-process monitoring (`top`), or mistake disk usage commands (`df -h`) or network tools (`ss`) for memory diagnostics.
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
✓
top
The `top` command provides a real-time, dynamic view of system processes, including memory usage (RES, VIRT, %MEM) and can be sorted by memory consumption. It updates continuously, making it ideal for monitoring memory usage over time and identifying the specific process responsible for a suspected memory leak.
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 -h
Why it's wrong here
Shows total memory usage, not per-process.
- ✓
top
Why this is correct
Displays real-time process list with memory usage.
- ✗
ss -tuln
Why it's wrong here
Shows listening ports, not memory usage.
- ✗
df -h
Why it's wrong here
Shows disk usage, not memory.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Linux Fundamentals and History
Key term
Process
In IT service management, a process is a structured set of activities designed to accomplish a specific objective, such as managing incidents or changes, by transforming inputs into defined outputs.
Key term
Linux
Linux is an open-source operating system that manages computer hardware and software, widely used in servers, desktops, and embedded systems.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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