CCOA Practice Question: The function of the 'netstat' command in a Windows environment?
What is the function of the 'netstat' command in a Windows environment?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap is confusing netstat with other network commands like ipconfig, nslookup, or netsh, which perform different functions such as DNS flushing or IP configuration.
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
✓
To view active network connections.
The netstat command displays active network connections, listening ports, routing tables, and protocol statistics on a Windows system. It is used to identify which processes are communicating over the network and on which ports, making it a fundamental tool for troubleshooting and security analysis.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
To update the system time.
Why it's wrong here
netstat has no time-setting function; it only reports network connections, listening ports and protocol statistics. It is tempting because it is a command-line administrative utility, and administrators often manage several system settings from the shell. Updating the system time is performed with w32tm or the Date and Time control panel.
- ✗
To flush the DNS cache.
Why it's wrong here
netstat displays connection and protocol statistics only; DNS resolver cache entries are cleared with ipconfig /flushdns. It is tempting because both commands diagnose connectivity faults, and netstat can show resolved addresses. Flushing the DNS cache would be the correct action after stale or poisoned name-resolution records.
- ✓
To view active network connections.
Why this is correct
Netstat enumerates active TCP connections, listening ports, and protocol statistics by querying the local TCP/IP stack, satisfying the stem's requirement to inspect current network activity. Unlike ping, which tests reachability, or ipconfig, which displays adapter configuration, netstat reports established sessions and their associated endpoints and states.
- ✗
To change the IP address.
Why it's wrong here
netstat reports active TCP/IP connections, listening ports and routing table statistics; it never configures adapter addressing. It is tempting because network configuration tools are often grouped together in troubleshooting; changing an IP address is done with netsh interface ip set address or the GUI adapter properties.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Security Systems Architect · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official ISACA exam blueprint
This CCOA practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISACA 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 CCOA exam.