LFCS Essential Commands Practice Question
A backup script must create a compressed archive of the /etc directory, preserving file permissions and timestamps. Which command should be used?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse `gzip` (which compresses individual files) with `tar` (which archives directories), or they think `rsync` creates an archive file when it actually creates a directory copy, not a compressed archive.
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
✓
tar -czvf backup.tar.gz /etc
The `tar -czvf` command creates a compressed archive (via gzip) that preserves file permissions and timestamps by default when run as root. The `-c` flag creates the archive, `-z` compresses it with gzip, `-v` provides verbose output, and `-f` specifies the archive filename. Tar is the standard Unix tool for bundling files into a single archive while retaining metadata like ownership, permissions, and timestamps.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
gzip -r /etc > backup.tar.gz
Why it's wrong here
gzip compresses individual files recursively but does not create an archive.
- ✗
cpio -ov < /etc > backup.cpio
Why it's wrong here
cpio requires additional options to preserve permissions and does not produce a single archive file easily.
- ✗
rsync -av /etc /backup/etc
Why it's wrong here
rsync is for mirroring or transferring files, not creating a standalone archive.
- ✓
tar -czvf backup.tar.gz /etc
Why this is correct
tar with -czvf creates a gzipped archive preserving permissions and timestamps.
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