LFCS Operation of Running Systems Practice Question
A Linux administrator needs to ensure that the 'httpd' service starts automatically at boot and is currently running. The system uses systemd. Which two commands should the administrator use to achieve this? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse enabling a service with starting it; enabling only affects boot behavior, while starting affects the current runtime state.
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
✓
systemctl enable httpd
To make httpd start at boot and be currently running, the administrator must enable it for automatic start with 'systemctl enable httpd' and start it immediately with 'systemctl start httpd'. These two actions are independent and both necessary. The other commands either check status, reload configuration, or verify enablement, but none of them both enable and start the service.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
systemctl enable httpd
Why this is correct
This command creates the necessary symbolic links to enable the httpd service to start automatically at boot. It does not start the service immediately, but it ensures persistence across reboots. Combined with a command to start the service now, it fulfills the requirement. It is a standard systemd command for enabling a unit.
- ✗
systemctl reload httpd
Why it's wrong here
This command reloads the configuration of a running httpd service without interrupting it. It does not start the service if it is stopped, nor does it enable it for boot. If the service is not running, reload will fail. Thus, it does not meet the requirement of ensuring the service is running and enabled.
- ✓
systemctl start httpd
Why this is correct
This command starts the httpd service immediately, making it currently running. It does not affect whether the service starts at boot. Together with enabling the service, it satisfies both conditions: running now and enabled for future boots. It is the correct way to start a service in systemd.
- ✗
systemctl status httpd
Why it's wrong here
This command displays the current status of the httpd service, including whether it is active and enabled. It is purely informational and does not change the state of the service. It does not start or enable the service, so it cannot be used to achieve the required outcome. It is useful for troubleshooting but not for configuration.
- ✗
systemctl is-enabled httpd
Why it's wrong here
This command checks whether the httpd service is enabled for automatic start at boot, but it does not enable it. It only reports the current enablement status. It is useful for verification but does not achieve the goal of enabling or starting the service. Therefore, it is not one of the required commands.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Linux Foundation exam blueprint
This LFCS practice question is part of Courseiva's free Linux Foundation 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 LFCS exam.