CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

How often should a backup configuration be created?

1. Only once a year

2. Only during system upgrades

3. Before making any configuration changes

4. After each change is implemented

The correct answer is: Before making any configuration changes

Creating a backup configuration before making any changes is crucial for maintaining system stability and security. This practice ensures that you have a recovery point that captures the system's configuration just prior to any modifications. If something goes wrong during the change, whether it be a configuration error, a software failure, or an unexpected impact on system performance, you can quickly revert to the last known good configuration. Regularly backing up configurations allows for minimal downtime and swift recovery in case of issues, making it an essential preventative measure in network management. This approach aligns with best practices in IT management, reinforcing the importance of having a fallback plan for network configurations that could impact the overall functionality of systems and services. While other options may seem feasible—for instance, backing up after each change can be beneficial, but it is not always practical due to frequent and minor updates. Similarly, options focusing on infrequent backups oversimplify the dynamic nature of network configurations and the need for real-time protection against potential threats or failures. This is why consistently backing up before any configuration changes is the recommended practice.