XK0-006 System Management Practice Question
A Linux server is configured to use systemd. The administrator wants to ensure that a custom service named 'app.service' starts automatically at boot, even if it has been manually stopped. Which command should be used?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse starting a service with enabling it; starting only affects the current session, while enabling configures boot-time activation.
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
✓
systemctl enable app.service
The correct answer is the command that creates the necessary symbolic links for the service to start automatically at boot. This is done with systemctl enable. The other commands either start the service now, reset enablement, or apply presets, none of which ensure persistent automatic startup.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
systemctl enable app.service
Why this is correct
This command creates a symbolic link from the systemd unit file in /etc/systemd/system to the appropriate target's .wants directory, ensuring the service starts at boot. It does not start the service immediately, but it ensures it will be started on subsequent boots. This is the correct way to configure automatic startup.
- ✗
systemctl start app.service
Why it's wrong here
This command starts the service immediately but does not configure it to start automatically at boot. If the service is stopped and the system reboots, it will not start unless enabled. The administrator needs persistent automatic startup, so this command alone is insufficient.
- ✗
systemctl preset app.service
Why it's wrong here
This command applies preset policies to enable or disable the service based on distribution defaults. It does not guarantee the service is enabled; it depends on the preset configuration. The administrator wants to explicitly enable the service, not rely on presets.
- ✗
systemctl reenable app.service
Why it's wrong here
This command first disables the service and then enables it, effectively resetting any manual enable/disable state. While it does enable the service, it is not the standard command to simply enable a service. It is used to correct symbolic links, but the basic 'enable' is sufficient and more direct.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
System Services and Startup
Key term
Linux
Linux is an open-source operating system that manages computer hardware and software, widely used in servers, desktops, and embedded systems.
Key term
systemd
systemd is a system and service manager for Linux operating systems that initializes and manages processes, services, and system resources after the kernel boots.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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