SK0-005 server-administration Practice Question
A system administrator needs to apply critical security patches to a production web server that cannot be taken offline. The server runs a Linux operating system and hosts a high-availability website. The administrator wants to ensure that if the patches cause a failure, the server can be quickly rolled back to its previous state. Which of the following actions should the administrator take FIRST?
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
✓
Take a snapshot of the server's virtual machine before applying patches.
Option B is correct because taking a snapshot provides a point-in-time state of the virtual machine, allowing quick rollback if the patches cause issues. Option A backs up user data but does not capture the system state needed for a full rollback. Option C is a procedural step but not the first technical action to enable recovery. Option D is reckless and provides no rollback capability.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Back up all user data to a network share.
Why it's wrong here
Backing up data does not capture the operating system and application state, so it is insufficient for a full system rollback.
- ✗
Schedule a maintenance window and notify users of potential downtime.
Why it's wrong here
This is a good practice but does not provide any technical means to recover from a failed patch installation.
- ✓
Take a snapshot of the server's virtual machine before applying patches.
Why this is correct
A snapshot captures the entire VM state, including OS and applications, enabling a fast and complete rollback.
- ✗
Apply the patches during off-peak hours without any additional steps.
Why it's wrong here
Applying patches without a rollback plan jeopardizes availability; off-peak timing alone does not mitigate risks.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Planning
Key term
Virtual machine
A virtual machine (VM) is a software-based emulation of a physical computer that runs an operating system and applications just like a real machine, but is isolated and managed by a hypervisor on a host system.
Key term
Recovery
Recovery is the process of restoring systems, data, and operations after a security incident, failure, or disaster to return to normal functioning.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed July 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
This SK0-005 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 SK0-005 exam.