The answer is to configure logrotate to rotate and compress the syslog file daily. This is the best long-term solution because logrotate is the standard Linux utility designed specifically to manage log file growth and prevent disk space issues by automatically archiving, compressing, and eventually removing old logs. Without logrotate, a single file like /var/log/syslog can balloon to 10 GB, consuming critical space in the /var partition. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this question tests your understanding of log management best practices and the importance of automation over manual cleanup. A common trap is choosing a one-time fix like manually truncating the file or deleting it, which does not prevent recurrence. Remember the mnemonic "RCL" for logrotate: Rotate, Compress, and remove Logs—this directly addresses the root cause of disk space exhaustion.
XK0-005 Troubleshooting Practice Question
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of troubleshooting. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 server is running low on disk space in the /var partition. The administrator runs 'du -sh /var/log/*' and finds that /var/log/syslog is 10 GB. Which of the following is the BEST long-term solution to prevent recurrence?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure logrotate to rotate and compress the syslog file daily.
Option C is correct because logrotate is the standard Linux utility for managing log file growth. By configuring logrotate to rotate and compress /var/log/syslog daily, the system automatically archives old logs and prevents a single file from consuming excessive disk space, addressing the root cause without manual intervention.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Manually truncate the syslog file with '> /var/log/syslog'.
Why it's wrong here
This only provides temporary relief and does not prevent future growth.
✗
Delete the syslog file and restart the syslog service.
Why it's wrong here
Deleting the file removes valuable logs and is not a long-term solution.
✓
Configure logrotate to rotate and compress the syslog file daily.
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Increase the log rotation frequency in /etc/logrotate.conf to monthly.
Why it's wrong here
Monthly rotation would allow the log to grow larger before rotation.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse 'increasing rotation frequency' with 'reducing log size,' but increasing the interval (e.g., to monthly) actually worsens the problem, while daily rotation with compression is the correct long-term solution.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Logrotate works by renaming the current log file (e.g., syslog.1) and signaling the syslog daemon (via SIGHUP) to start writing to a fresh file. Compression (e.g., gzip) reduces disk usage, and retention policies (e.g., rotate 7) ensure old logs are deleted after a set number of rotations. In real-world scenarios, failing to configure logrotate for high-volume logs like syslog can quickly fill /var, causing system instability or service failures.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the XK0-005 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this XK0-005 question in full detail.
Troubleshooting — This question tests Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure logrotate to rotate and compress the syslog file daily. — Option C is correct because logrotate is the standard Linux utility for managing log file growth. By configuring logrotate to rotate and compress /var/log/syslog daily, the system automatically archives old logs and prevents a single file from consuming excessive disk space, addressing the root cause without manual intervention.
What should I do if I get this XK0-005 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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