hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
XK0-006 Practice Question: An administrator modified kernel parameters in…
An administrator modified kernel parameters in /etc/sysctl.conf. Which command applies the changes without rebooting?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse `sysctl -p` (apply from file) with `sysctl -w` (set a single value), or assume a reboot is required, leading them to choose an incorrect option like `sysctl -w` or a non-existent flag.
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
✓
sysctl -p
The `sysctl -p` command reads the settings from `/etc/sysctl.conf` and applies them immediately to the running kernel without requiring a reboot. This is the standard method for reloading persistent kernel parameter changes on Linux 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.
- ✓
sysctl -p
Why this is correct
The -p option loads settings from the specified file, defaulting to /etc/sysctl.conf.
- ✗
sysctl -w
Why it's wrong here
The -w option temporarily changes a parameter; it does not load from a file.
- ✗
sysctl -r
Why it's wrong here
The -r option is not a valid sysctl option.
- ✗
sysctl -a
Why it's wrong here
The -a option lists all kernel parameters and their values.
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
Kernel
The kernel is the core program of an operating system that manages hardware resources and provides essential services for all other software to run.
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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.