40 IT Tech Support Interview Question And Answers, Sys Admin + Light Networking
Summary
TLDRThis video serves as a comprehensive guide for IT job interviews, particularly for system and network administration roles. It covers essential interview questions and answers, tailored to help candidates showcase their skills effectively. From explaining the basics of Windows Server and TCP/IP to discussing advanced topics like Active Directory and VPNs, the video provides simplified explanations for better understanding. It also includes practical advice on how to stand out in interviews, emphasizing the importance of personal experience and relevance to the job position.
Takeaways
- 😀 The video is aimed at helping individuals preparing for tech support interviews, covering both system and network administration topics.
- 🔒 The role of Windows Server is to act as a centralized system providing functions and rules for networked devices.
- 📂 Windows Domain facilitates access to user accounts, computers, printers, and security features through a domain controller.
- 🔥 A firewall's purpose is to filter network traffic, allowing or blocking data based on predetermined security rules.
- 🌐 TCP/IP is a foundational protocol suite for data transmission, with TCP ensuring data packet order and reliability.
- 🔒 HTTPS provides secure communication over the internet with encryption and identity verification, using TCP port 443.
- 🔍 DNS translates domain names into IP addresses, essential for internet navigation, and operates on port 53.
- 🔄 Active Directory is a Windows service for user and computer authentication, policy enforcement, and software distribution.
- 🗑️ Garbage collection in Active Directory is a process that cleans up expired objects to free up space.
- 🔄 RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) provides data redundancy and can improve performance through striping.
- 💾 System Volume Folder in a domain controller holds copies of critical system files for replication purposes.
- 🔑 Group Policy is used to control configurations and permissions for users and computers within an organization.
- 📧 Different types of email servers use specific ports; POP3 and IMAP for incoming mail, SMTP for outgoing.
- 🌳 The difference between a forest and a domain in Active Directory is that a forest is a collection of multiple domains.
- 🌐 Virtual machines allow multiple operating systems to run on a single computer, providing flexibility for development and testing.
- 🔒 'Tattooing the registry' refers to permanent changes made by Group Policy that do not revert when the policy is removed.
- 🛡️ A proxy server filters and can monitor network traffic, blocking access to certain sites and hiding user activity.
- 🚀 UDP (User Datagram Protocol) offers faster connection speeds than TCP by broadcasting data without waiting for confirmation.
- 🔄 The loopback IP address (127.0.0.1) is used for testing network interface card functionality during troubleshooting.
- 📡 DHCP automates IP address distribution on a network, with addresses being dynamically assigned and released.
- 🔒 SSH (Secure Shell) establishes secure connections between devices, useful for remote access and administration.
- 🌐 The OSI model consists of seven layers: Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, and Application.
- 🛠️ Network Layer in OSI is responsible for routing, error handling, and packet sequencing in data transmission.
- 🌐 Different types of network cables like Cat5, Cat5e, and Cat6 offer varying speeds and are rated for 100 meters maximum distance.
- 🔍 A subnet mask defines network and host addresses, essential for the TCP/IP protocol to understand network structure.
- 🏢 The difference between a workgroup and a domain is that a workgroup has local rules and permissions, while a domain is governed by a central domain controller.
- 🔍 DNS issues can occur if a host is reachable by IP but not by name, indicating a potential DNS resolution problem.
- 🔬 The trace route command provides a detailed path of data transmission through various network devices to a final destination.
- 🔄 IP config is used to view and modify local network settings such as DHCP configuration, DNS, and subnet mask.
- 🔒 VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows secure connections over public networks, commonly used for remote access to company networks.
- 🔄 A network switch operates at the physical layer, connecting and managing data flow between multiple devices on a network.
- 🤔 The final question prompts candidates to consider their unique selling points and how they can benefit the company, emphasizing the importance of self-promotion in interviews.
Q & A
What is the purpose of the video script provided?
-The video script is designed to prepare individuals for tech support interviews, particularly those related to system and network administration. It serves as a guide for those new to IT, considering a helpdesk role, and as a refresher for those with upcoming interviews.
Why is the 'Tell us about yourself' question important in an interview?
-This question is crucial as it is the first opportunity for a candidate to present themselves as the best fit for the job. It should be tailored to the specific position, focusing on relevant experiences and skills.
What role does Windows Server play in a network?
-Windows Server acts as a centralized computer that provides specific functions and rules for computers, users, and components connected to a network.
Can you explain the concept of a Windows domain?
-A Windows domain offers access to user accounts, computers, printers, and security features as part of a database controlled by a domain controller.
What is the primary function of a firewall?
-A firewall serves as a filter between computer resources, blocking incoming or outgoing traffic to protect the network from unauthorized access.
What does TCP/IP protocol handle?
-TCP/IP handles the establishment of connections between computers before data transmission and manages the order of data packets being sent back and forth.
What is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?
-HTTP is the Hypertext Transfer Protocol used for transmitting website data, primarily using TCP port 80. HTTPS is a secure version of HTTP that allows identity verification and encryption, using TCP port 443.
What does DNS stand for and what is its primary function?
-DNS stands for Domain Name System, and its main function is to translate domain names into numeric IP addresses, such as translating 'cosmicnovo.com' to its IP address 130.211.16.109.
What is Active Directory and its purpose in Windows Server OS?
-Active Directory is a service used for user and computer authentication within a domain and enforcing security policies with Group Policy Objects (GPOs), which can also be used for software installations across the domain.
What is a lingering object in Active Directory?
-A lingering object is created when an object is removed from Active Directory while the domain controller is offline. It signifies that the object must be replicated by the main controller before it expires.
What does RAID stand for and what are its benefits?
-RAID stands for Redundant Array of Independent Disks. It provides data redundancy across multiple hard disks and can improve read and write performance using striping configurations.
What commands can be used in CMD to test network connectivity?
-The commands used to test network connectivity include 'ping', 'traceroute', and 'ipconfig'.
What is the purpose of the Group Policy in a Windows operating system?
-The Group Policy assists in managing user data, computer information, applications, and settings by defining business roles, group members, and locations through user group policy.
How is Active Directory backed up and what tools are used?
-Active Directory can be backed up using the 'ntdsutil' backup tool that comes with Windows Server 2003 or a command prompt for Windows Server 2008, using the command 'wbadmin start systemstatebackup -backuptarget: e:'.
What is garbage collection in Active Directory and how often is it performed?
-Garbage collection is a process designed to free space inside of Active Directory by removing expired objects. It is performed by default every 12 hours.
What is the System Volume Folder and its role in replication across a domain?
-The System Volume Folder is a directory that houses a copy of the main files found on a local drive within a domain controller. Its purpose is to facilitate replication across the domain, such as for user login scripts and Windows group policy.
What are the different types of email servers and their respective ports?
-There are two types of email servers: the incoming mail server which uses POP3 on port 110, IMAP on port 143, and HTTP on port 80; and the outgoing mail server which uses SMTP on port 25.
What is the difference between a forest and a domain in Active Directory?
-A domain is a logical group of computers, users, and devices within Active Directory, while a tree is a collection of domains. If there are multiple trees, they form a forest.
What is a common DNS issue and how can it be identified?
-A common DNS issue occurs when a host cannot be reached by its name over the network but can be reached using an IP address, indicating a problem with DNS resolution.
How can you analyze the connection between a local host and a server?
-The 'tracert' command (trace route) can be used to analyze the connection between a local host and a server, providing detailed path information through switches, servers, and computers to the final destination.
What is the IP config command used for and what additional actions can it perform?
-The IP config command is used to determine DHCP IP settings, DHCP configuration, DNS default gateway, and subnet mask. It can also be used to change local DHCP settings, for example, using 'ipconfig /release' or 'ipconfig /renew'.
What is a VPN and how does it benefit mobile workers?
-A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, allows users to create a secure connection over public networks such as the internet. It is commonly used by mobile workers to access company networks from remote locations securely.
What is the role of a network switch in a network?
-A network switch is used to create or control a network at the physical layer, connecting multiple devices and enabling them to share data by receiving, processing, and forwarding data packets.
Why is the 'Why should we hire you?' question important at the end of an interview?
-This question is important as it provides the candidate with a final chance to convince the employer of their suitability for the position, emphasizing their experience and how it can benefit the company.
Outlines
😀 Introduction to Tech Support Interview
This paragraph introduces the video as a comprehensive guide for tech support interviews, focusing on system and network administration. It emphasizes the video's utility for IT beginners considering a helpdesk role and for those preparing for interviews. The speaker assures viewers that this will be an informative resource, covering common interview questions with simplified answers for clarity.
🔒 System and Network Concepts Explained
The paragraph delves into foundational IT concepts, such as the role of Windows Server, the function of a Windows domain, and the purpose of a firewall. It also explains the TCP/IP protocol, the difference between HTTP and HTTPS, and the DNS system. The speaker encourages viewers to engage with the content by liking or subscribing, highlighting the importance of understanding these concepts for IT roles.
📚 Advanced IT Concepts and Active Directory
This section covers advanced topics like Active Directory, its role in user and computer authentication, and the use of Group Policy Objects (GPOs). It also discusses lingering objects in Active Directory and RAID technology for data redundancy and performance. The paragraph provides insights into network connectivity testing commands and the process of backing up Active Directory, emphasizing the importance of these skills in IT roles.
🌐 Networking Fundamentals and Interview Tips
The paragraph discusses fundamental networking concepts, including the OSI model, subnet masks, and the difference between workgroups and domains. It also addresses practical issues like DNS problems and network connectivity analysis. The speaker provides interview tips, such as using the IP config command and understanding the role of a network switch, concluding with advice on how to effectively answer the 'Why should we hire you?' question.
👋 Conclusion and Encouragement for Job Seekers
In the concluding paragraph, the speaker offers bonus advice for interview preparation, suggesting that candidates research the company and understand the job description. They direct viewers to their YouTube channel for additional IT guides and express well-wishes for the viewers' job prospects, ending the video on a positive and supportive note.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡System Administration
💡Windows Server
💡Windows Domain
💡Firewall
💡TCP/IP
💡DNS
💡Active Directory
💡RAID
💡CMD Commands
💡Group Policy
💡Virtual Machine
Highlights
Introduction to the video on tech support interview questions focusing on system and network administration.
Importance of tailoring the 'tell us about yourself' answer to the job position.
Explanation of Windows Server's role as a centralized computer for network functions.
Description of a Windows domain and its control over network resources.
Firewall's function as a filter to block network traffic.
TCP/IP protocol's role in establishing connections and managing data packet order.
Differentiation between HTTP and HTTPS protocols and their respective ports.
DNS's function in translating domain names to IP addresses and its port usage.
Types of DNS queries: iterative and recursive.
Active Directory's role in user authentication and security policy enforcement.
Location and function of the Active Directory database file.
The concept of lingering objects in Active Directory.
RAID's purpose for data redundancy and performance improvement.
CMD commands for testing network connectivity.
Explanation of Intialily Mirror and its role in user data management.
Backup methods for Active Directory using built-in tools.
Garbage collection process in Active Directory.
System Volume Folder's role in replication across domain controllers.
Group Policy's use in controlling configurations and permissions for user groups.
Types of email servers and their respective ports.
Difference between a forest and a domain in Active Directory.
Virtual Machine's function as an emulation of an operating system.
The concept of 'tattooing the registry' by Group Policy.
Proxy server's role in filtering and monitoring network traffic.
UDP's function and differences from TCP in connection management.
Loopback IP address's use in testing network interface cards.
DHCP's role in dynamic IP address distribution on a network.
FTP's function and the ports it uses for file transfer.
SSH's purpose in establishing secure connections between devices.
Maximum length of UTP cable for network connections.
OSI model's seven layers and their functions.
Network layer's responsibilities in routing and error handling.
Types of network cables and their speed capabilities.
Subnet mask's function in distinguishing network and host addresses.
Difference between a workgroup and a domain in terms of network rules and permissions.
DNS issue example involving host name resolution failure.
Trace Route command's use in analyzing network paths.
IP Config command's function in displaying and modifying network settings.
VPN's role in creating secure connections over public networks.
Network switch's function in managing data flow at the physical layer.
Final question on why the employer should hire the candidate, emphasizing experience and benefits to the company.
Transcripts
welcome to 40 tech support interview
questions and answers that mostly talk
about system administration but also
touch on Network administration however
this is very good for anybody who is
getting into IT for example if you're
thinking about doing helpdesk as your
entry level position this is also
obviously a good refresher for those who
have interviews coming up I wish you
best of luck my friends let's get into
it and I promise you this will be the
best video you watch in regards to this
there's a lot of crossover in technology
between computer networks and systems
hence the need to combine the two in a
video format that has been revised and
updated in this video we will cover some
of the most common questions that may
come up during an interview some answers
are simplified to provide easier
understanding and education question
number one can you tell us about
yourself this question is very important
as your first opportunity to sell
yourself as the best candidate for this
job you have to make sure that this
answer is tailored to the position at
hand meaning only talk about yourself in
the relevance to this position question
number two explain the role of Windows
Server Windows OS server acts as a
centralized computer to provide specific
functions and predetermined rules for
computers users and components connected
to a network question number three what
is Windows domain Windows domain
provides access to user accounts
computers printers and security features
as part of database controlled by a
domain controller question number four
what is a firewall firewall is a filter
between two or multiple computer
resources it blocks any incoming or
outgoing traffic firewalls can be in
software or Hardware forms question
number five what is TCP / IP TCP is a
transmission control protocol that deals
with establishing a connection between
computers before any data is being sent
in other words it acts as the highway
for data packets being sent back and
forth used by various protocols for
example HTTP or FTP TCP also controls
and sorts out the data packets perceive
order friends instead of showing you an
advertisement at this point please take
a moment to like this video or click the
subscribe button this tells me that you
appreciate my effort in creating this
video thank you very much I appreciate
it
question number six can you explain the
difference between HTTP and HTTPS HTTP
stands for hypertext Transfer Protocol
and is used by majority of websites as
means of transmitting website data and
it allows for use of hyperlinks this
protocol mostly uses TCP port 80 HTTPS
is a secure version of HTTP that allows
for identity verification and low-level
encryption using TCP port 443 question
number seven what is DNS and which port
does it use DNS stands for domain name
system and it's mostly used to interpret
domain names into numeric IP addresses
for example the main name cosmic number
com its IP address is 1 3 0.21 1.16
0.109 dns uses port 53 tcp or UDP
question number 8 how many queries does
a DNS perform and which ones DNS can
perform two types of queries iterative
and recursive question number nine what
is Active Directory
a service of Windows server OS Active
Directory used for user and computer
authentication within a domain you can
also enforce security policies with use
of GPO switch which can also be used to
push software installs across domain
question number 10 Active Directory the
database is located where database is
under the file name and TD s dot di T
and is located in the system root and TD
s folder of the server if interested
there is a written version located on my
website at cosmic novo comm question
number 11 what is a lingering object if
an object is leader from actor directory
while domain controller is
off-line it can create a lingering
object when object is deleted from
Active Directory 8 tube stone is created
which means that it has to be replicated
by the main controller before it expires
question number 12 what is rained stands
for redundant array of independent disks
and is used provide data of redundancy
across multiple hard disks it can also
be utilized to improve read and write
performance across the server by using
striping configuration for example rate
one two or more disks with identical
data stored raid zero two or more disks
data distributed evenly to improve
performance question number 13 which
commands would you use in CMD to test
network connectivity the test network
connectivity ping trace route or IP
config commands can be used question
number 14
what does intially mirror do as part of
Windows operating system until a mirror
provides assistance in managing user
data computer information applications
and settings this is configured with
user group policy that defines business
roles group members and locations for
example if a user moves to a different
computer the application settings add
stored files will follow question number
15 how do you backup Active Directory
active directory can be backed up using
anti backup tool that comes with 2003
server with 2008 server a command prompt
is used to perform backup you would type
in waa admin space start space system
state backup - a backup target : e : you
can also perform a full server backup to
a server manager question number 16 do
you know what garbage collection is
garbage collection is a process designed
to free space inside of active directory
this is performed by default every 12
hours question number 17 do you know
what this volume folder is system volume
folder is a directory that houses a copy
of the main files found on a local drive
within domain controller this data is
shared
purpose of replication across domain for
example user login script and windows
group policy question number 18 explain
what group policy is a group policy is
used to control users that stop computer
configurations and permissions by
creating a template for specific groups
of members this makes it easy to control
and process large groups of users for
example tech support may have different
security permissions compared to a
regular computer users question number
19
can you name different types of email
servers and ports used you can have two
types of email servers incoming mail
server which are pop3 port 110 IMAP 143
and HTTP port 80 you can have outgoing
mail server which is SMTP port 25
question number 20 what is the
difference between forest and a domain a
domain is a logic based group of
computers users and devices within
Active Directory
a tree is a collection of the mains in
case there are multiple trees formed a
forest is created you're doing great as
you can see these questions can be easy
or hard and can be explained in multiple
ways I am interested to read alternative
answers so feel free to pause the video
and share your answer in comments below
alright we have 20 more to go
so let's do it question number 21
do you know what virtual machine is
virtual machine is an emulation version
of operating system for example you can
have multiple copies of Windows running
on a single computer question number 22
do you know what tatooing the registry
means the group policy will make the
changes to use as registry but once the
group policy is no longer in effect
registry values would not revert back
leaving them tattooed in question number
23 what is a proxy or proxy server
proxy deals with filtering network
traffic in a sense of preventing
access to certain websites and they can
even monitor user web activity you can
block certain website from being
accessed but it can also act as a
measure of hiding the true origin at the
point of access question number 24
can you explain what UDP is UDP stands
for user Datagram protocol unlike TCP
UDP is constantly broadcasting a
connection signal which can allow for
faster connection speeds with TCP you
have to wait for connection confirmation
which takes time UDP sends out data
without considering without
consideration of what is receiving it
sort of like radio signal question
number 25 what is loopback IP address
the loopback IP address is 127 dot 0 dot
0 dot 1 as part of troubleshooting
network connection issues it is used to
test network interface cards for
functionality so if you ping the IP
address and it completes it successfully
it means that your hardware is ok
question number 26 what is DHCP DHCP
stands for a dynamic host configuration
protocol the main function of DHCP is to
handle distribution of IP addresses on a
network typically IP address assigned by
DHCP servers are dynamic meaning that
they are released and released
dynamically with the exception of static
IP addresses to explain in further if
you connect a PC to a network it will
get a leased IP address and if you
disconnect or remove that PC it will be
assigned assigned a new IP address at
the new location question number 27 what
is FTP and port used FTP is a file
transfer protocol used to transfer large
files between computers with a built-in
ability to pause transfer of data ports
used by FTP are 20 and 21 question
number 28
what is SSH and port used also known as
secure shell is used to establish the
secure connection between devices which
can be
anything from computers to switches for
example you can use SSH at a cafe and
connect to any device anywhere by
establishing a configured secure shell
tunnel between two devices thus making
the connections secure question number
29 what is maximum length of UTP cable
allowed the maximum length of UTP is 90
to 100 meters for a single segment
connection if you have a switch or a
repeater it can compensate for this
limitation question number 30 what are
the layers of OSI model and how many
there are seven layers of OSI model
physical layer data link layer Network
layer transport layer session layer
presentation and application question
number 31 what is the job of the network
layer Network layer deals with routing
stitching and transmitting of data from
one point to another but this layer is
also responsible for error handling and
packet sequencing question number 32
which types of network cables are used
in networking cat5 runs at 100 megabits
per second maximum cat 5e can run up to
1 gigabit a second cat 6 can run up to
10 gigabits a second speeds are rated at
100 meters maximum distance question
number 33
what is a subnet mask a subnet mask
holds the information about the network
and hosts addresses under a subnet in
order for TCP IP protocol to figure out
this information it looks at the 32 bit
subnet mask number typical example as
255 dot 255 dot 255 dot 0 question
number 34 can you tell me the difference
between a workgroup and a domain with a
workgroup you can have a collection of
systems that are connected to the same
network but have their own set of rules
and permissions set at the local level
with a domain you have a group of
systems that are bound by the rules of a
domain controller
question number 35 can you give an
example of a DNS issue if a host cannot
be reached by its name over the network
but can be reached using an IP address
indicates a problem with DNS question
number 36 how would you analyze
connection between a local host and a
server a trace RT command is used to
complex test trace route can provide
detailed path information taken through
switches servers computers in reaching
final destination question number 37
what is IP config command used for IP
config command is used to determine DCP
IP settings DHCP configuration DNS
default gateway and subnet mask it can
also be used to change the local DHCP
settings for example IP config /n
forward slash or renew question number
38 what is VPN a virtual private network
allows users to create a secure
connection over public networks such as
internet this is commonly used by mobile
workers in order to access companies
networks from a remote location question
number 39 what is a network switch a
network switch is used to create or
control a network at physical layer in
which multiple devices are connected and
share data this is accomplished by
receiving processing and forwarding of
data in form of data packets question
number 40 why should we hire you just as
important as the very first question on
the list this is your last chance to
tell this employer why you are the best
choice for this position you should talk
about your experience and how you could
use that to benefit the company as bonus
advice before going friend review make
sure you do your research about the
company you have interview with a good
place to start is taking a good look at
the job description if you need to study
other aspects of ite please check out my
channel for additional guides my channel
is at youtube-dot-com forward-slash see
bu ma and I hope this guide gives you
the confidence that you may need in
order to get this awesome job I wish you
good luck and you have a wonderful day
bye-bye
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