- A
systemctl set-default service
Why wrong: Sets the default target, not a service enablement.
- B
systemctl start service
Why wrong: Starts the service immediately, does not configure autostart.
- C
systemctl enable service
Enables the service to start at boot without starting it currently.
- D
systemctl reenable service
Why wrong: Re-enables the service (removes and recreates symlinks).
Question 220 of 537
EX200 Operate running systems Practice Question
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of operate running systems. 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.
Which systemctl command configures a service to start automatically at boot without starting it now?
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 service
Option C is correct because `systemctl enable service` creates the necessary symlinks in the systemd unit configuration directories (e.g., `/etc/systemd/system/multi-user.target.wants/`) to ensure the service starts automatically at boot, but it does not start the service immediately. This matches the requirement of configuring automatic startup without starting the service now.
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.
- ✗
systemctl set-default service
Why it's wrong here
Sets the default target, not a service enablement.
- ✗
systemctl start service
Why it's wrong here
Starts the service immediately, does not configure autostart.
- ✓
systemctl enable service
Why this is correct
Enables the service to start at boot without starting it currently.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
systemctl reenable service
Why it's wrong here
Re-enables the service (removes and recreates symlinks).
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is confusing `systemctl enable` with `systemctl start`; candidates often think enabling a service also starts it, but systemd separates these actions to allow administrators to schedule automatic startup without immediate execution.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, `systemctl enable` creates symbolic links in the appropriate `.wants/` or `.requires/` directories under `/etc/systemd/system/`, pointing to the service unit file in `/usr/lib/systemd/system/`. This ensures systemd processes the service during boot sequence based on the target dependencies. A real-world scenario is enabling a web server like httpd without starting it immediately to avoid disrupting running services or to allow manual configuration before the first start.
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 EX200 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.
- →
Operate running systems — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Operate running systems practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this EX200 question test?
Operate running systems — This question tests Operate running systems — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: systemctl enable service — Option C is correct because `systemctl enable service` creates the necessary symlinks in the systemd unit configuration directories (e.g., `/etc/systemd/system/multi-user.target.wants/`) to ensure the service starts automatically at boot, but it does not start the service immediately. This matches the requirement of configuring automatic startup without starting the service now.
What should I do if I get this EX200 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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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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