Desktop Support Interview Questions and Answers
Freshers / Beginner level questions & answers
Ques 1. What is the purpose of DNS?
DNS (Domain Name System) is used to translate human-readable domain names into IP addresses.
Example:
When you type 'www.example.com' in a browser, DNS resolves it to the corresponding IP address.
Ques 2. What is DHCP and how does it work?
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) assigns IP addresses dynamically to devices on a network, eliminating the need for manual configuration.
Example:
When a computer connects to a network, DHCP provides it with an IP address, subnet mask, and other configuration details.
Ques 3. How do you handle a user who forgot their password?
Verify the user's identity, reset the password using established procedures, and ensure the user changes the password upon login.
Example:
Ask security questions or use multi-factor authentication to confirm the user's identity before resetting the password.
Ques 4. Explain the purpose of a firewall.
A firewall is a network security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
Example:
A firewall prevents unauthorized access to a network and protects against malicious activities.
Ques 5. What is the purpose of the Task Manager in Windows?
Task Manager provides information about running applications and processes, CPU and memory usage, and allows users to end unresponsive tasks.
Example:
If a program is not responding, you can use Task Manager to end the task and regain control of your system.
Ques 6. How do you map a network drive in Windows?
Open File Explorer, click 'This PC,' and select 'Map network drive.' Choose a drive letter and enter the network path to the shared folder.
Example:
Mapping a network drive allows quick access to shared resources without navigating through the entire network structure.
Ques 7. What is the purpose of an IP address?
An IP address uniquely identifies a device on a network and facilitates communication between devices.
Example:
When you type a website's domain name, DNS resolves it to an IP address, allowing your device to connect to the server hosting the website.
Ques 8. Explain the concept of MAC address.
A MAC (Media Access Control) address is a unique identifier assigned to a network interface controller (NIC) for communication on a network.
Example:
MAC addresses are used at the data link layer to ensure data is sent to the correct device on a local network.
Ques 9. How do you check for and install Windows updates?
Go to 'Settings,' select 'Update & Security,' and click 'Check for updates.' Install available updates to ensure system security and stability.
Example:
Regularly updating Windows is essential to patch security vulnerabilities and access new features.
Intermediate / 1 to 5 years experienced level questions & answers
Ques 10. Explain the difference between TCP and UDP.
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) provides reliable, connection-oriented communication, while UDP (User Datagram Protocol) offers faster, connectionless communication.
Example:
TCP is used for web browsing, while UDP is suitable for real-time applications like video streaming.
Ques 11. How do you troubleshoot a computer that cannot connect to the network?
Check network cables, verify network settings, restart networking devices, and use diagnostic tools like ping and traceroute.
Example:
Verify if the computer has a valid IP address and check for any network outages.
Ques 12. Explain the purpose of the OSI model.
The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model is a conceptual framework that standardizes the functions of a communication system into seven layers.
Example:
The OSI model helps in understanding and troubleshooting network-related issues by dividing tasks into manageable layers.
Ques 13. What is Active Directory and how does it work?
Active Directory is a directory service used in Windows environments to store and manage network resources. It uses a hierarchical structure to organize objects.
Example:
AD allows users to log in, access resources, and enables administrators to manage network resources centrally.
Ques 14. What is the difference between antivirus and anti-malware?
Antivirus focuses on detecting and preventing traditional viruses, while anti-malware addresses a broader range of malicious software, including viruses, spyware, and ransomware.
Example:
An antivirus program may not detect certain types of malware, so it's advisable to use a combination of both.
Ques 15. How do you troubleshoot a slow-performing computer?
Check for malware, ensure there is sufficient disk space and RAM, update drivers, and optimize startup programs.
Example:
Use task manager to identify resource-intensive processes and address them accordingly.
Ques 16. What is RAID, and why is it used?
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a storage technology that combines multiple disk drives to improve performance, reliability, or both.
Example:
RAID 1 mirrors data across drives for redundancy, while RAID 0 stripes data for increased performance.
Ques 17. Explain the concept of VPN.
VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure, encrypted connection over the internet, allowing users to access a private network from a remote location.
Example:
A user connects to a company's network securely over the internet using VPN, ensuring data confidentiality.
Ques 18. How do you handle a computer infected with malware?
Isolate the infected system, run antivirus scans, remove malicious files, and update security software.
Example:
Educate the user about safe computing practices to prevent future infections.
Ques 19. How do you handle a blue screen error (BSOD) on Windows?
Note the error code, restart the computer, check for hardware or driver issues, and update or roll back drivers as necessary.
Example:
A BSOD may be caused by a recent driver update, so reverting to a previous version can resolve the issue.
Ques 20. What is the purpose of System Restore?
System Restore in Windows allows users to revert their system files and settings to a previous point in time, helping to fix problems without affecting personal files.
Example:
If a recent software installation caused issues, System Restore can return the system to a state before the installation.
Ques 21. Explain the difference between a hub, switch, and router.
A hub operates at the physical layer and broadcasts data to all connected devices. A switch operates at the data link layer, forwarding data only to the intended recipient. A router operates at the network layer, connecting different networks.
Example:
In a hub, all connected devices share the same bandwidth, while a switch provides dedicated bandwidth to each device.
Ques 22. How do you troubleshoot a printer that is not printing?
Check for paper jams, ensure the printer is online, verify ink or toner levels, and update or reinstall printer drivers.
Example:
Print a test page to determine if the issue is with the printer or the computer.
Ques 23. What is the purpose of the Windows Registry?
The Windows Registry is a centralized database that stores settings and configuration information for the operating system and installed applications.
Example:
Modifying the registry should be done carefully, as incorrect changes can impact system stability.
Ques 24. What is the purpose of the Command Prompt in Windows?
The Command Prompt is a command-line interpreter that allows users to execute commands, scripts, and perform system tasks.
Example:
Using 'ipconfig' in the Command Prompt provides information about network settings.
Ques 25. Explain the concept of virtualization.
Virtualization involves creating a virtual version of a resource, such as a server or operating system, to optimize resource utilization and improve scalability.
Example:
Virtualization allows multiple operating systems to run on a single physical server, reducing hardware costs.
Ques 26. How do you handle a situation where a user accidentally deleted important files?
Attempt file recovery using backup solutions, check for files in the Recycle Bin, and use file recovery software if necessary.
Example:
Regularly backing up important files helps prevent data loss in such situations.
Ques 27. Explain the concept of a proxy server.
A proxy server acts as an intermediary between a user's device and the internet, forwarding requests and responses to enhance security and performance.
Example:
In a corporate environment, a proxy server may be used to control access to certain websites and filter content.
Ques 28. What is the purpose of the Event Viewer in Windows?
Event Viewer logs system events and errors, helping administrators diagnose and troubleshoot issues.
Example:
Checking Event Viewer can provide insights into the cause of system crashes or application errors.
Ques 29. Explain the concept of a subnet and why it is used.
A subnet is a logical division of an IP network into smaller, more manageable segments. It is used to improve network performance, enhance security, and simplify network administration.
Example:
Dividing a large network into subnets allows for more efficient use of IP addresses and reduces broadcast traffic within each subnet.
Experienced / Expert level questions & answers
Ques 30. How do you troubleshoot a computer with no display?
Check hardware connections, test the monitor on another computer, inspect the graphics card, and try booting into safe mode. If necessary, use remote desktop or access the system logs remotely.
Example:
Connecting the computer to a known working monitor helps determine if the issue is with the display or another component.
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