XK0-006 System Management Practice Question
A system administrator needs to change the hostname of a Linux server running systemd to 'webserver01'. Which command will accomplish this?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is using the hostname command, which only changes the hostname temporarily, rather than hostnamectl for a persistent change.
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
✓
hostnamectl set-hostname webserver01
On systemd-based systems, hostnamectl is the correct tool to set the hostname persistently. The set-hostname subcommand updates the static hostname and writes it to /etc/hostname, ensuring it survives reboots. Other methods like the hostname command or sysctl are temporary or incorrect for this purpose.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
hostnamectl set-hostname webserver01
Why this is correct
hostnamectl is the systemd utility for managing hostnames. The set-hostname subcommand sets the static hostname to the specified value. This change is persistent across reboots and updates /etc/hostname. It is the recommended method on modern Linux distributions using systemd.
- ✗
hostname webserver01
Why it's wrong here
The hostname command with an argument changes the hostname temporarily for the current session only. It does not persist after a reboot. To make a permanent change, additional steps like editing /etc/hostname or using hostnamectl are required. This command is insufficient for a persistent change.
- ✗
sysctl kernel.hostname=webserver01
Why it's wrong here
sysctl is used to modify kernel parameters at runtime. While kernel.hostname exists, setting it via sysctl changes the hostname only until reboot and is not the standard method. It also does not update configuration files. This is not a persistent solution and is not recommended for hostname changes.
- ✗
echo webserver01 > /etc/hosts
Why it's wrong here
The /etc/hosts file maps IP addresses to hostnames; it does not set the system's hostname. Writing a hostname to it does not change the system's identity. This command would corrupt the hosts file by removing existing entries. It does not accomplish the task of changing the hostname.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Installing Linux and Package Management
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.
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 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
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.