easyMultiple SelectObjective-mapped
XK0-006 Practice Question: A system administrator needs to identify which…
A system administrator needs to identify which processes are consuming the most memory on a Linux server. Which two commands can be used? (Select TWO).
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse system-wide memory reporting commands (like `free` or `vmstat`) with per-process memory analysis tools, leading them to select options that show total memory usage rather than identifying which specific processes are consuming it.
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
✓
ps -aux
The `ps -aux` command displays all running processes with detailed information, including memory usage (%MEM and RSS). The `top` command provides a real-time, interactive view of processes sorted by memory consumption by default. Both commands directly show per-process memory usage, making them suitable for identifying the most memory-intensive processes.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
vmstat
Why it's wrong here
Reports system memory, swap, and processes, but not per-process.
- ✓
ps -aux
Why this is correct
Can be sorted by memory usage using --sort=-%mem.
- ✗
free -m
Why it's wrong here
Displays total, used, and free memory, not per-process usage.
- ✓
top
Why this is correct
Displays live process list with memory usage.
- ✗
df -h
Why it's wrong here
Shows disk space usage, not memory.
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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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.