- A
systemctl isolate multi-user.target
Why wrong: Changes current target, not default.
- B
systemctl set-default multi-user.target
Correct command to set default target.
- C
systemctl enable multi-user.target
Why wrong: enable is for services, not targets.
- D
systemctl mask multi-user.target
Why wrong: mask prevents target from being started.
Question 879 of 981
XK0-005 System Management Practice Question
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of system management. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
An administrator wants to change the default systemd target to multi-user.target so the system boots to a text console. Which command should be used?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"which command"Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
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 set-default multi-user.target
systemctl set-default multi-user.target sets the default target. systemctl isolate changes the current target but not the default. enable and mask are for services, not targets.
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 isolate multi-user.target
Why it's wrong here
Changes current target, not default.
- ✓
systemctl set-default multi-user.target
Why this is correct
Correct command to set default target.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✗
systemctl enable multi-user.target
Why it's wrong here
enable is for services, not targets.
- ✗
systemctl mask multi-user.target
Why it's wrong here
mask prevents target from being started.
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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System Management — study guide chapter
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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 set-default multi-user.target — systemctl set-default multi-user.target sets the default target. systemctl isolate changes the current target but not the default. enable and mask are for services, not targets.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
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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