How to schedule automatic patch syncing with cron?
A systems administrator wants to ensure all the latest patches and updates are automatically synced to the local repository every two hours on Sundays through Tuesdays in the month of May. Which of the following cron entries can the administrator use to achieve this goal? (Choose two.)
Community Votes
100% of anonymous learners picked answer E. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.
Community Insight
The exam tests understanding of cron field syntax, particularly the equivalence of step values (0-23/2) and explicit lists (0,2,4...14), and the common trap of confusing Sunday–Wednesday (0–3) with Sunday–Tuesday (0–2).
This question tests the ability to construct cron expressions for scheduled tasks, specifically combining time ranges, intervals, and day-of-week fields. Community consensus confirms that options using '0-23/2' or explicit even-hour lists with Sunday–Tuesday (0–2) in May are correct.
Many candidates incorrectly choose options with '0-3' for the day-of-week field, not realizing that 0–3 means Sunday through Wednesday, not Sunday through Tuesday as required.
Community Discussion (4 comments)
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Expert Analysis
Why the Answer Is Correct
Option E uses '0 0-23/2 * 5 0-2', which means the script runs at minute 0, every 2 hours from 0 to 23, only in May (month 5), on days Sunday (0) through Tuesday (2). This perfectly matches the requirement: every two hours on Sundays through Tuesdays in May. The step notation '0-23/2' is functionally identical to listing all even hours explicitly.Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Options A, B, and D use '0-3' for the day-of-week field, which includes Wednesday (day 3), violating the requirement to run only Sunday through Tuesday. Option C uses the correct day range (0-2) but only lists hours up to 14 (2 PM), missing the evening and night runs. Option F (if present) would likely be another valid even-hour list with the correct day range.Community Comment Notes
Commenters consistently note that options with '0-3' must be eliminated because they extend the schedule into Wednesday. Multiple users confirm that only options with '0-2' for days and full 24-hour even-hour coverage are valid. The community agrees that understanding cron step notation and day-of-week numbering is critical for this question type.Official Reference
Exam Strategy
When analyzing cron expressions, always verify each field independently: minute, hour, day-of-month, month, and day-of-week. Remember that day-of-week 0–2 means Sunday through Tuesday, and step values like '0-23/2' cover the full range, not just a partial one.