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XK0-006 Practice Question: A user is unable to resolve hostnames on a Linux…
A user is unable to resolve hostnames on a Linux system. Which three configuration files should be checked? (Select THREE).
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that /etc/hostname or /etc/sysconfig/network are involved in hostname resolution, when in fact they only affect the local system's identity, not the resolution of external hostnames.
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
✓
/etc/hosts
The /etc/hosts file is a static table mapping hostnames to IP addresses, used for local name resolution before or instead of DNS queries. If a user cannot resolve hostnames, this file may be misconfigured or missing entries for the target hostnames, causing resolution failures.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
/etc/hosts
Why this is correct
Static mapping of hostnames to IP addresses.
- ✓
/etc/nsswitch.conf
Why this is correct
Defines the order of name resolution sources (e.g., files, dns).
- ✓
/etc/resolv.conf
Why this is correct
Specifies DNS servers and search domains.
- ✗
/etc/hostname
Why it's wrong here
Stores the local hostname, not involved in name resolution.
- ✗
/etc/sysconfig/network
Why it's wrong here
Contains network settings but not directly for hostname resolution.
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Related to this question
Learn chapter
Linux Fundamentals and History
Key term
DNS
DNS is the system that translates human-friendly domain names like example.com into machine-readable IP addresses so computers can find each other on a network.
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 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.