easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
XK0-006 Run a backup script every day at 2:00 AM Practice Question
An administrator needs to run a backup script every day at 2:00 AM. The script is located at /usr/local/bin/backup.sh and is executable. The administrator considers several methods to schedule this task. Which method should the administrator use to ensure the script runs at exactly 2:00 AM every day without additional configuration overhead?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse cron.daily (which runs daily but at a non-configurable time) with a user-crontab entry, or assume systemd timers are simpler than they actually are, overlooking the extra unit files required.
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
✓
Add the following line to the crontab for root: `0 2 * * * /usr/local/bin/backup.sh`
The correct method is to add a cron job via crontab because cron is the standard Unix/Linux utility for scheduling tasks at specific times. The syntax `0 2 * * *` precisely defines execution at 2:00 AM daily (minute 0, hour 2, every day, every month, every day of week), and the script path is fully qualified. This approach requires no additional configuration overhead beyond a single crontab entry.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Add the following line to the crontab for root: `0 2 * * * /usr/local/bin/backup.sh`
Why this is correct
This crontab entry schedules the script to run at exactly 2:00 AM daily.
- ✗
Append the script path to /etc/rc.local file.
Why it's wrong here
rc.local runs at boot, not daily.
- ✗
Place the script in /etc/cron.daily/ directory.
Why it's wrong here
cron.daily runs at a system-defined time, not exactly 2:00 AM.
- ✗
Create a systemd timer unit that triggers the script daily at 2:00 AM.
Why it's wrong here
This is possible but adds unnecessary complexity compared to cron.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Linux Fundamentals and History
Key term
Utility
Utility, in IT service management, is the measure of a service's functionality that ensures it is fit for purpose by meeting the specific needs of the customer.
Key term
crontab
Crontab is a time-based job scheduler in Unix-like operating systems that allows users to automate the execution of scripts or commands at specified intervals.
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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.