easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
XK0-006 Practice Question: Which command will show the current running…
Which command will show the current running processes in real time?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse `htop` as the correct answer because it is more visually appealing and feature-rich, but the exam expects the standard, universally available command `top`.
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
✓
top
The `top` command is the standard Linux utility for displaying a dynamic, real-time view of running processes, including CPU and memory usage. It updates the display at a configurable interval (default 3 seconds) and provides an interactive interface for sorting and managing processes. This makes it the correct choice for showing current running processes in real time.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
top
Why this is correct
top continuously updates the list of processes.
- ✗
pstree
Why it's wrong here
pstree displays processes in a tree hierarchy, not real-time updates.
- ✗
ps aux
Why it's wrong here
ps aux shows a static snapshot of processes, not real-time.
- ✗
htop
Why it's wrong here
htop is also real-time but is an alternative, not the standard command.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Linux Fundamentals and History
Key term
Linux
Linux is an open-source operating system that manages computer hardware and software, widely used in servers, desktops, and embedded systems.
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.
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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.