LFCS Operation of Running Systems Practice Question
A Linux administrator needs to schedule a backup script to run every day at 2:30 AM. The script is located at /usr/local/bin/backup.sh. Which command should the administrator use to edit the crontab for the root user?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is thinking that editing /etc/crontab directly is equivalent to using crontab -e, but the system-wide file requires a username field and is not the recommended method for user-specific jobs.
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
✓
crontab -e
The command 'crontab -e' opens the crontab file for the current user (root in this case) in an editor, allowing the administrator to add the line '30 2 * * * /usr/local/bin/backup.sh'. This is the standard and safest way to schedule a recurring job. Other options either list jobs, edit a system file inappropriately, or modify the service unit, none of which achieve the goal.
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 edit cron.service
Why it's wrong here
This command opens a systemd override for the cron service, which is used to modify how the service starts, not to schedule user jobs. It does not provide a way to add a cron job. Scheduling a recurring task is done via crontab, not by editing the service unit. Therefore, this option is incorrect for the task.
- ✗
vi /etc/crontab
Why it's wrong here
Editing /etc/crontab directly is possible but not recommended because it is a system-wide file with a different format that requires a username field. Using 'crontab -e' is safer and less error-prone. Directly editing /etc/crontab can lead to syntax errors and does not automatically apply the change without reloading the cron service. Thus, it is not the best practice.
- ✗
crontab -l
Why it's wrong here
The '-l' option lists the current user's crontab entries but does not allow editing. It would only display existing jobs, not enable adding a new one. Since the administrator needs to schedule a new job, this command is insufficient. It is useful for verification but not for making changes.
- ✓
crontab -e
Why this is correct
Running 'crontab -e' as root opens the root user's crontab in the default editor, allowing the administrator to add the schedule for the backup script. This is the standard method to create or modify a user's cron jobs. It ensures the job runs with root privileges and is the correct command for this scenario.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
Courseiva writes every LFCS question from scratch — 406 in total, each with an explanation and a wrong-answer breakdown. None are copied from real exams or dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.