Read the scenario first
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Linux Services Lab: systemctl and journalctl
A web server is down. Check the service, read its log, start it, enable it at boot and confirm it is listening.
Last updated
Linux command line · Intermediate · About 10 minutes
The scenario
The staff intranet stopped loading after last night’s maintenance window. The site is served by nginx on web01, and nobody remembers whether the service was started again.
Find out what state the service is in, bring it back, and make sure it comes up by itself the next time the server restarts.
A practice Ubuntu terminal that runs in your browser. It understands real commands, and nothing you type can break anything.
Your tasks
0 of 5 doneCheck the status of the nginx service. (not done yet)
Read the service’s recent log entries to see why it isn’t running. (not done yet)
Start nginx. (not done yet)
Make nginx start automatically when the server boots. (not done yet)
Confirm that the server is now listening on TCP port 80. (not done yet)
student@web01Practice terminal · simulated
Practice terminal: real commands on a simulated Ubuntu server. Type help to see what it knows.
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About this lab
What you’ll practice, and where it’s tested
What you’ll practice
- Checking a service with systemctl status
- Reading a service’s log with journalctl -u
- Starting a service and enabling it at boot
- Confirming a listening port with ss
Exams it helps with
- CompTIA Linux+Domain: Services and User Management
- CompTIA Linux+Domain: Troubleshooting
- CompTIA Server+Domain: Troubleshooting
Walkthrough
One way to complete the lab, with the reason for each step. Try it yourself first.
Show the worked solution
- 1See the state of the service.
systemctl status nginx - 2Read its log: it was stopped and never started again.
journalctl -u nginx - 3Start it and enable it at boot in one go.
sudo systemctl enable --now nginx - 4Check that port 80 is listening.
ss -tuln
Guide
How to get the most from a lab
Type the commands yourself
Typing a command, getting it wrong and fixing it is what makes it stick. Use the hints when you’re stuck, not before.
Check the walkthrough afterwards
Every lab has a worked solution with the reason for each step. Read it even when you finished: there is often a shorter way.
Do it again from memory
Reset the lab a day later and do it without hints. If you can, you know it. If you can’t, you’ve found what to study.
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FAQs
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers.
Find quick answers or contact our support team.
Is this a real Linux machine?
No. It’s a practice terminal that runs in your browser. It understands the real commands the lab needs, and many more, and it answers the way an Ubuntu server would. It isn’t a full operating system: nothing is installed, and nothing you type can break anything.
Which commands does the practice terminal understand?
The everyday ones: ls, cd, cat, grep, awk, sed, sort, uniq, find, chmod, chown, useradd, usermod, passwd, systemctl, journalctl, ip, ping, dig, ss and ufw, with pipes, redirects and sudo. Type help in the terminal for the full list. Text editors and package installs aren’t included.
Which exams does this lab help with?
It practices skills from CompTIA Linux+ (Services and User Management), CompTIA Linux+ (Troubleshooting) and CompTIA Server+ (Troubleshooting).
Do I need an account?
No. The labs run in your browser and nothing is saved. Sign up only if you want OpenpassAI’s full labs and progress tracking.
