The correct command is `mount -t nfs -o ro,no_root_squash nfs.example.com:/exports/app /mnt/app`, as it mounts the NFS export with the read-only (`ro`) option and disables root squash (`no_root_squash`), which preserves root-level privileges on the client for files accessed from the server. This combination is critical when an administrator needs to allow the root user on the client to write or manage files without being mapped to the anonymous `nobody` user, a behavior that `no_root_squash` explicitly overrides. On the Red Hat Certified System Administrator EX200 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of NFS security options and the `mount` command syntax, often appearing in performance-based tasks where you must specify options in the correct order after `-o`. A common trap is forgetting that `no_root_squash` is a server-side export option that must be enabled on the NFS server first, or confusing it with `all_squash`; the exam expects you to know that `ro` and `no_root_squash` are client-side mount options. Memory tip: think "RO for read-only, NRS for no root squash" — both are comma-separated after `-o` to keep root powerful on read-only shares.
EX200 Create and configure file systems Practice Question
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of create and configure file systems. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
An admin needs to mount an NFS export from server nfs.example.com:/exports/app to /mnt/app with options for read-only and no root squash. Which command is correct?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
mount -t nfs -o ro,no_root_squash nfs.example.com:/exports/app /mnt/app
Option A is correct because the `mount -t nfs -o ro,no_root_squash` command mounts the NFS export from `nfs.example.com:/exports/app` to `/mnt/app` as read-only (`ro`) and disables root squash (`no_root_squash`), which allows the root user on the client to retain root privileges when accessing files on the NFS server. The `-t nfs` specifies the NFS filesystem type, and the mount point `/mnt/app` must exist prior to execution.
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.
✓
mount -t nfs -o ro,no_root_squash nfs.example.com:/exports/app /mnt/app
Why this is correct
Correct options.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
mount -t nfs -o ro,root_squash nfs.example.com:/exports/app /mnt/app
Why it's wrong here
root_squash is opposite of required.
✗
mount -t nfs -o ro,no_root_squash,nosuid nfs.example.com:/exports/app /mnt/app
Why it's wrong here
nosuid is extra but not wrong, but option D is better.
✗
mount -t nfs -o rw,no_root_squash nfs.example.com:/exports/app /mnt/app
Why it's wrong here
rw instead of ro.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Red Hat often tests the exact combination of mount options, where candidates mistakenly choose an option with extra flags like `nosuid` or confuse `root_squash` with `no_root_squash`, or select `rw` instead of `ro` when the question explicitly requires read-only.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NFS root squash is a security feature that by default maps UID 0 (root) on the client to a non-privileged UID (e.g., `nobody` or `65534`) on the server, preventing root from modifying files owned by other users. The `no_root_squash` option is typically used only in trusted environments (e.g., for diskless clients or clustered storage) because it grants full root access to the NFS export. The `ro` option enforces read-only access at the mount level, which overrides any write permissions on the server side, ensuring data integrity.
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 junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
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.
Create and configure file systems — This question tests Create and configure file systems — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: mount -t nfs -o ro,no_root_squash nfs.example.com:/exports/app /mnt/app — Option A is correct because the `mount -t nfs -o ro,no_root_squash` command mounts the NFS export from `nfs.example.com:/exports/app` to `/mnt/app` as read-only (`ro`) and disables root squash (`no_root_squash`), which allows the root user on the client to retain root privileges when accessing files on the NFS server. The `-t nfs` specifies the NFS filesystem type, and the mount point `/mnt/app` must exist prior to execution.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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