easyMultiple SelectObjective-mapped
XK0-006 Practice Question: Which TWO commands can be used to view a list of…
Which TWO commands can be used to view a list of all running processes with their PIDs? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often confuse `pidof` (which only finds PIDs for a named program) with a general process listing tool, or think `pstree` shows all processes when it actually defaults to the current user's process tree unless used with `-p` and `-a` options.
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
✓
ps
The `ps` command (option A) is correct because it displays a snapshot of current processes, and when used without options it shows processes for the current shell; with options like `-e` or `aux` it lists all running processes along with their PIDs. The `top` command (option C) is correct because it provides a real-time, dynamic view of all running processes, including their PIDs, and is commonly used for monitoring system activity.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
ps
Why this is correct
ps -ef displays all processes with PIDs.
- ✗
pidof
Why it's wrong here
pidof returns PID for a named process, not all.
- ✓
top
Why this is correct
top shows all running processes with PIDs interactively.
- ✗
ls
Why it's wrong here
ls lists files, not processes.
- ✗
pstree
Why it's wrong here
pstree shows tree but typically without PIDs by default (can be added).
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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.