The correct answer is to create a systemd timer unit that activates a service unit, with OnCalendar=daily and the desired time. This is the modern, recommended method for scheduling a systemd timer daily backup with logging because systemd natively handles both execution timing and output capture. The timer unit triggers the service unit at 2:00 AM, while the service unit runs /usr/local/bin/backup.sh and redirects its output to /var/log/backup.log using StandardOutput and StandardError directives, eliminating the need for external cron or shell redirection. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this tests your understanding of systemd’s replacement for cron jobs; a common trap is confusing timer units with service units or attempting to use cron syntax directly. Remember that timers control *when*, services control *what*—a key distinction for the exam. Memory tip: think of a timer as an alarm clock that wakes up a service, which then does the actual work and writes the log.
XK0-005 System Management Practice Question
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.
An administrator needs to ensure that a custom script /usr/local/bin/backup.sh runs every day at 2:00 AM and logs output to /var/log/backup.log. How should this be configured using systemd?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create a systemd timer unit that activates a service unit, with OnCalendar=daily and the desired time.
Option C is correct because systemd timer units are the modern, recommended method for scheduling recurring tasks on Linux systems that use systemd. By creating a timer unit with `OnCalendar=daily` and specifying the desired time (e.g., `02:00:00`), the associated service unit will execute `/usr/local/bin/backup.sh` at 2:00 AM daily. The service unit can also redirect output to `/var/log/backup.log` using standard output/error directives, ensuring logging is handled natively within the systemd framework.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Use anacron with a delay of 0 and a period of 1 day.
Why it's wrong here
Anacron does not support specific times; it runs after boot if missed.
✗
Add a cron job with '0 2 * * * /usr/local/bin/backup.sh >> /var/log/backup.log 2>&1'.
Why it's wrong here
Cron is not the systemd-native approach; timers are preferred.
✓
Create a systemd timer unit that activates a service unit, with OnCalendar=daily and the desired time.
Why this is correct
Systemd timers allow precise scheduling and integrate with journald for logging.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Place the script in /etc/cron.daily/ and set the time with the 'START_HOURS_RANGE' variable.
Why it's wrong here
Cron.daily runs at 6:25 AM by default, not 2:00 AM.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often default to cron (Option B) because it is familiar, but the question explicitly requires a systemd-based solution, testing knowledge of systemd timer units as the correct modern approach.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Systemd timer units use monotonic or real-time timers; `OnCalendar=` accepts calendar event expressions (e.g., `daily` or `*-*-* 02:00:00`) and triggers the associated service unit. The service unit should include `StandardOutput=append:/var/log/backup.log` and `StandardError=append:/var/log/backup.log` to log output, avoiding shell redirection. In real-world scenarios, systemd timers provide better logging, dependency management, and integration with systemd's journal compared to cron.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this XK0-005 question in full detail.
System Management — This question tests System Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a systemd timer unit that activates a service unit, with OnCalendar=daily and the desired time. — Option C is correct because systemd timer units are the modern, recommended method for scheduling recurring tasks on Linux systems that use systemd. By creating a timer unit with `OnCalendar=daily` and specifying the desired time (e.g., `02:00:00`), the associated service unit will execute `/usr/local/bin/backup.sh` at 2:00 AM daily. The service unit can also redirect output to `/var/log/backup.log` using standard output/error directives, ensuring logging is handled natively within the systemd framework.
What should I do if I get this XK0-005 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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