- A
systemctl mask service
Why wrong: Masking prevents the service from being started.
- B
systemctl start service
Why wrong: Starts the service now but does not enable it for boot.
- C
systemctl enable service
Enables the service to start at boot.
- D
systemctl reenable service
Why wrong: Re-enables, but enable is sufficient.
Question 736 of 981
XK0-005 System Management Practice Question
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of system management. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A technician is troubleshooting a service that fails to start at boot. Which systemctl command should be used to ensure the service starts automatically on subsequent boots?
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
✓
systemctl enable service
systemctl enable creates symlinks so the service starts at boot. The status shown by is-enabled confirms if it is enabled.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
systemctl mask service
Why it's wrong here
Masking prevents the service from being started.
- ✗
systemctl start service
Why it's wrong here
Starts the service now but does not enable it for boot.
- ✓
systemctl enable service
Why this is correct
Enables the service to start at boot.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✗
systemctl reenable service
Why it's wrong here
Re-enables, but enable is sufficient.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
- Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
- The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
- Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
- Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
- Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related XK0-005 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this XK0-005 question test?
System Management — This question tests System Management — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: systemctl enable service — systemctl enable creates symlinks so the service starts at boot. The status shown by is-enabled confirms if it is enabled.
What should I do if I get this XK0-005 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related XK0-005 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This XK0-005 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 XK0-005 exam.
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