easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
XK0-006 Practice Question: A systems administrator needs to automate the…
A systems administrator needs to automate the execution of a backup script every day at 2:00 AM using a systemd service. Which unit type should the administrator create?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse .timer units with .service units, mistakenly thinking a .service unit alone can handle scheduling, but systemd requires a separate timer unit to define the schedule and trigger the service.
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
✓
A .timer unit
A .timer unit is the correct choice because systemd timers are designed to schedule and trigger the execution of other units (such as services) at specific times or intervals. By creating a .timer unit that activates at 2:00 AM daily and a corresponding .service unit for the backup script, the administrator can automate the backup using systemd's built-in scheduling mechanism, which is more reliable and integrated than cron for systemd-managed systems.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
A .service unit
Why it's wrong here
A service unit defines a process to run but does not schedule it.
- ✗
A .path unit
Why it's wrong here
A path unit triggers based on file system changes.
- ✗
A .mount unit
Why it's wrong here
A mount unit manages file system mount points.
- ✓
A .timer unit
Why this is correct
A timer unit triggers a service unit on a schedule.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
System Services and Startup
Key term
cron
Cron is a time-based job scheduler in Unix-like operating systems that automatically runs commands or scripts at specified dates and times.
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.
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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.