40 IT Tech Support Interview Question And Answers, Sys Admin + Light Networking

Summary

This 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.