Quick Answer
The answer is `kernel.panic = 10`. This sysctl parameter is correct because it tells the Linux kernel to wait a specified number of seconds—in this case, ten—after a kernel panic before automatically rebooting, which allows a crash dump mechanism like kdump to capture diagnostic data before the system restarts. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this question tests your understanding of kernel runtime parameters and system recovery procedures, often appearing alongside topics like `/etc/sysctl.conf` persistence and crash dump configuration. A common trap is confusing `kernel.panic` with `kernel.panic_on_oops` or `vm.panic_on_oom`, but remember that `kernel.panic` directly controls the reboot delay after a full panic. For a quick memory tip, think of the number 10 as the “ten-second countdown to recovery” that gives the crash dump time to save.
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of scripting, containers and automation. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 that hosts a critical database application has been experiencing occasional kernel panics. The administrator wants to ensure the system automatically reboots after a panic and logs the crash dump. Which sysctl parameter should be set?
kernel.panic_on_warn = 10
Why wrong: Controls panic on warnings.
kernel.panic_on_oops = 10
Why wrong: Controls oops, not panic.
kernel.panic_print = 10
Why wrong: Controls debug printing.
kernel.panic = 10
Sets seconds before reboot after panic.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
kernel.panic = 10
Option D is correct because setting `kernel.panic = 10` instructs the Linux kernel to wait 10 seconds after a kernel panic before automatically rebooting. This ensures the system recovers without manual intervention, and combined with a configured crash dump mechanism (e.g., kdump), the crash dump is captured before the reboot.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
kernel.panic_on_warn = 10
Why it's wrong here
Controls panic on warnings.
kernel.panic_on_oops = 10
Why it's wrong here
Controls oops, not panic.
kernel.panic_print = 10
Why it's wrong here
Controls debug printing.
kernel.panic = 10
Why this is correct
Sets seconds before reboot after panic.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
CompTIA often tests the distinction between parameters that cause a panic (`panic_on_oops`, `panic_on_warn`) and the parameter that controls the reboot delay after a panic (`kernel.panic`), leading candidates to confuse the cause with the recovery action.
Detailed technical explanation
The `kernel.panic` sysctl parameter sets the timeout in seconds before the kernel automatically reboots after a panic; a value of 0 disables the reboot. For crash dump collection, the kdump service must be active and configured to save the vmcore to disk before the reboot occurs, typically using the `crashkernel` boot parameter to reserve memory for the capture kernel. In production environments, a short delay (e.g., 10 seconds) allows the crash dump to be written while still enabling rapid recovery.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
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FAQ
Scripting, Containers and Automation — This question tests Scripting, Containers and Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: kernel.panic = 10 — Option D is correct because setting `kernel.panic = 10` instructs the Linux kernel to wait 10 seconds after a kernel panic before automatically rebooting. This ensures the system recovers without manual intervention, and combined with a configured crash dump mechanism (e.g., kdump), the crash dump is captured before the reboot.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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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