A help desk engineer needs a Log Analytics query that returns each computer whose most recent heartbeat is older than 20 minutes. Which query should they use?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
Distractor review
Heartbeat | where TimeGenerated < ago(20m) | summarize LastSeen = max(TimeGenerated) by Computer
This can return computers that also sent a recent heartbeat, because the newer data is filtered out before summarizing.
Best answer
Heartbeat | summarize LastSeen = max(TimeGenerated) by Computer | where LastSeen < ago(20m)
This query first finds the latest heartbeat per computer and then filters for machines whose latest timestamp is older than 20 minutes. That matches the operational requirement exactly and avoids false positives caused by filtering before summarization.
Distractor review
Heartbeat | summarize count() by Computer | where count_ < 20
Heartbeat count does not indicate when the last record was received, so a low count does not prove the computer has been silent for 20 minutes.
Distractor review
Heartbeat | where TimeGenerated > ago(20m) | summarize LastSeen = max(TimeGenerated) by Computer
This query shows machines that have had recent heartbeats, which is the opposite of the requested output.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this AZ-104 question test?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Heartbeat | summarize LastSeen = max(TimeGenerated) by Computer | where LastSeen < ago(20m) — The key requirement is to identify the most recent heartbeat for each computer and compare that timestamp to a 20-minute threshold. By summarizing first with max(TimeGenerated), the query calculates the latest observed heartbeat per computer. The subsequent where clause then returns only the machines whose last heartbeat is too old, which is the correct operational troubleshooting result. Why others are wrong: A is wrong because filtering before summarizing can hide recent heartbeats and produce misleading results. C is wrong because record count does not measure recency. D is wrong because it returns active systems instead of silent ones.
What should I do if I get this AZ-104 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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