easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
XK0-006 Practice Question: A system administrator needs to run a script…
A system administrator needs to run a script every 15 minutes. Which systemd unit type is used to schedule this?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates familiar with traditional Linux scheduling immediately think of cron, but the question explicitly asks for a 'systemd unit type,' making cron a distractor despite its functional similarity.
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
✓
systemd timer
Systemd timers are the native systemd unit type for scheduling tasks at specified intervals, such as every 15 minutes. They replace traditional cron jobs in systemd-based Linux distributions and are defined with a .timer unit file that triggers a corresponding .service unit. This makes option A correct because the question explicitly asks for the systemd unit type used for scheduling.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
systemd timer
Why this is correct
Timer units can be configured with OnCalendar or OnUnitActiveSec to run every 15 minutes.
- ✗
at job
Why it's wrong here
at schedules one-time tasks, not recurring every 15 minutes.
- ✗
anacron
Why it's wrong here
Anacron is for tasks that need to run regardless of system uptime but not at minute-level precision.
- ✗
cron job
Why it's wrong here
Cron is a separate service, not a systemd unit type; the question specifies 'systemd unit type'.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Linux Fundamentals and History
Key term
Service
A service is a software component or system that performs a specific function and is available to be used by other programs or users over a network.
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.
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