Quick Answer
The answer is to run logrotate with compression enabled. This is the correct approach because logrotate is designed to rotate, compress, and optionally remove older log files while preserving the most recent entries, directly addressing the need to free up disk space in /var/log without deleting current data. By configuring logrotate to keep a specific number of rotated and compressed logs, you temporarily reclaim space while ensuring the latest entries remain intact for troubleshooting. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of log management utilities and their safe application; a common trap is to manually delete log files or truncate them with `> /var/log/messages`, which can corrupt active logging processes or lose critical data. Remember the memory tip: "Rotate, compress, preserve—never delete the latest."
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of system management. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 system is running out of disk space in the /var/log directory. The administrator needs to temporarily free up space while preserving the latest log entries. Which approach is best?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Run logrotate with compression enabled
Rotates and compresses logs, preserving recent entries.
find /var/log -mtime +7 -delete
Why wrong: Deletes logs older than 7 days, but does not compress.
cat /dev/null > /var/log/messages
Why wrong: Only clears one log file, others remain.
rm -rf /var/log/*
Why wrong: Deletes all logs, not preserving latest entries.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Run logrotate with compression enabled
Logrotate with compression is the best approach because it rotates, compresses, and optionally removes old log files while preserving the latest entries. It can be configured to keep a specific number of rotated logs, thus freeing disk space without deleting current logs. This matches the requirement to temporarily free up space while retaining the most recent log data.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Run logrotate with compression enabled
Why this is correct
Rotates and compresses logs, preserving recent entries.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
find /var/log -mtime +7 -delete
Why it's wrong here
Deletes logs older than 7 days, but does not compress.
cat /dev/null > /var/log/messages
Why it's wrong here
Only clears one log file, others remain.
rm -rf /var/log/*
Why it's wrong here
Deletes all logs, not preserving latest entries.
Common exam traps
CompTIA often tests the misconception that deleting old files with find or truncating a log file is a safe way to free space, but the correct approach is to use logrotate to manage log rotation and compression while preserving the latest entries.
Detailed technical explanation
Logrotate uses a configuration file (typically /etc/logrotate.conf and /etc/logrotate.d/) to define rotation policies, including compression with gzip, rotation frequency, and retention count. Under the hood, it renames the current log file (e.g., messages becomes messages.1) and creates a new empty log file, then optionally compresses old rotated files. In real-world scenarios, administrators often combine logrotate with a 'copytruncate' option for logs written by processes that keep the file open, ensuring no data loss.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the XK0-005 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
System Management — study guide chapter
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FAQ
System Management — This question tests System Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Run logrotate with compression enabled — Logrotate with compression is the best approach because it rotates, compresses, and optionally removes old log files while preserving the latest entries. It can be configured to keep a specific number of rotated logs, thus freeing disk space without deleting current logs. This matches the requirement to temporarily free up space while retaining the most recent log data.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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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