easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
XK0-006 Practice Question: Refer to the exhibit
Exhibit
$ crontab -l 0 2 * * * /usr/local/bin/cleanup.sh
Refer to the exhibit. A system administrator notices that the cleanup script runs at 2:00 AM every day but sometimes does not execute. The log shows no output from the script. Which step should be taken to investigate?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to assume 'no output' means the script didn't run, leading them to check cron execution (Option B) or permissions (Option A), when the real issue is that the script runs but fails silently, requiring output redirection to diagnose the failure.
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
✓
Change the script to log output to a file.
The script runs but produces no log output, indicating it may be failing silently. Redirecting the script's stdout and stderr to a file (e.g., `>> /var/log/cleanup.log 2>&1`) captures error messages and output, allowing the administrator to see why the script sometimes does not execute or fails. This is the most direct way to diagnose a cron job that runs but yields no visible results.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Verify that the script is executable by the root user.
Why it's wrong here
This is a basic check but does not explain intermittent failures or lack of output.
- ✗
Check the syslog for cron execution messages.
Why it's wrong here
Syslog shows cron job starts but not script output or errors.
- ✗
Add a MAILTO directive to the crontab.
Why it's wrong here
MAILTO sends email with output, but only if output is generated; still not captured if script silently fails.
- ✓
Change the script to log output to a file.
Why this is correct
Redirecting stdout and stderr to a file allows administrators to see error messages and diagnose failures.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
File Permissions and Ownership
Key term
cron
Cron is a time-based job scheduler in Unix-like operating systems that automatically runs commands or scripts at specified dates and times.
Key term
Output
In IT service management, output is the result or deliverable produced by a process, system, or component, such as data, reports, or services delivered to a customer.
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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.