The answer is that the SSH service is enabled and will start automatically at boot. This is correct because the `systemctl is-enabled sshd` command returns 'enabled', which directly indicates that the service's symlink exists in the appropriate multi-user.target.wants directory, meaning systemd will launch it during system initialization. On the Linux Professional Institute Certification Level 1 LPIC-1 exam, this command is a core tool for verifying service boot status, often appearing alongside `systemctl enable` and `systemctl disable` in questions about managing systemd services. A common trap is confusing `systemctl is-enabled` with `systemctl is-active`—the former checks whether the service is configured to start at boot, while the latter checks if it is currently running. To remember this, think of "enabled" as "set for the next boot," not "running right now." A useful mnemonic is "Is it enabled? Check the target; is it active? Check the process."
LPIC-1 Essential System Services and Networking Practice Question
This LPIC-1 practice question tests your understanding of essential system services and networking. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
Output of 'systemctl status sshd':
sshd.service - OpenSSH server daemon
Loaded: loaded (/usr/lib/systemd/system/sshd.service; enabled; vendor preset: enabled)
Active: active (running) since Tue 2023-01-10 14:23:45 UTC; 2h 15min ago
Main PID: 1234 (sshd)
Tasks: 1 (limit: 512)
Memory: 4.2M
CGroup: /system.slice/sshd.service
└─1234 /usr/sbin/sshd -D
Refer to the exhibit. The administrator wants to ensure that SSH service starts automatically after a system reboot. Based on the output, what is the current status of this setting?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The service is enabled and will start at boot.
The `systemctl is-enabled sshd` command returns 'enabled', which means the SSH service is configured to start automatically at boot. This is confirmed by the output in the exhibit, showing that the service is enabled and will start during system initialization.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
The service is enabled and will start at boot.
Why this is correct
'enabled' indicates it will start at boot.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The service is disabled and will not start at boot.
Why it's wrong here
Output shows enabled.
✗
The service is static and cannot be enabled.
Why it's wrong here
Static is for services that can only be started by other services.
✗
The service is not running.
Why it's wrong here
Output shows active (running).
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse the 'enabled' status with the 'active' (running) status, or misinterpret 'static' as a valid state for this service, when the output clearly shows 'enabled'.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Output shows enabled.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `systemctl is-enabled` command checks the symlinks in `/etc/systemd/system/` to determine if a unit is enabled. An 'enabled' state means there is a symlink in the multi-user.target.wants directory, ensuring the service starts on boot. In contrast, 'disabled' means no such symlink exists, and 'static' means the unit lacks an [Install] section, so it cannot be enabled or disabled directly but may be triggered by other units.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the LPIC-1 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Essential System Services and Networking — This question tests Essential System Services and Networking — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The service is enabled and will start at boot. — The `systemctl is-enabled sshd` command returns 'enabled', which means the SSH service is configured to start automatically at boot. This is confirmed by the output in the exhibit, showing that the service is enabled and will start during system initialization.
What should I do if I get this LPIC-1 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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