easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
XK0-006 A server is experiencing high CPU load Practice Question
A server is experiencing high CPU load. The administrator needs to identify which process is consuming the most CPU resources in real time. Which command should be used?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers choose `ps aux --sort=-%cpu` because it shows CPU-sorted output, but they overlook the requirement for real-time monitoring, which `top` uniquely provides through continuous updates.
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 running processes, including CPU usage, and updates continuously by default. It is the standard tool for identifying which process is currently consuming the most CPU resources on a Linux system.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
w
Why it's wrong here
w shows user activity, not per-process CPU.
- ✗
vmstat
Why it's wrong here
vmstat reports overall system statistics, not per-process.
- ✗
uptime
Why it's wrong here
uptime shows load averages, not per-process CPU.
- ✗
ps aux --sort=-%cpu
Why it's wrong here
ps aux shows a static snapshot, not real-time.
- ✓
top
Why this is correct
top provides real-time process CPU usage.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Linux Fundamentals and History
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
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.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This XK0-006 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 XK0-006 exam.