IT Help Desk Interview Questions

What is a default gateway?

A default gateway is the default router which network traffic will go to to reach other networks. Can also find it using ipconfig /all

What is an IP address and how to find it?

an IP address is anumber assigned to a device to identify it on a network. Can find it using ipconfig /all or network adapter properties

What is a .PST file?

.PST is a file extension used by Microsoft Outlook archive files. An email archived would be known as a .PST

You've received a ticket that a PC monitor is not working. What is the first thing you should do?

1. Check to see if all cables are pluggled in correctly (power and video) 2. Is the monitor turned on? 3. Is the computer turned on? 4. Driver or hardware could be a problem

What if the difference between a switch and a hub?

A hub operates on layer one of the OSI model, a switch on layer 2. Hubs do not separate collision domains and therefore all devices connected to the hub share the same collision domain and must wait until it is clear to send traffic. Devices connected to a switch are in separate collision domains and wont collide with other devices connected to the switch. The switch, also, by operating at layer 2, is aware of MAC addresses and stores them along with interface numbers in a table.

What is a Group Policy?

Active Directory assigns a Group Policy to a group of users that user accounts are assigned to. This way you can control what users can and cant do based on the group they are in and what policy that group is given.

What are some commonly use LAN cables?

Cat 5, Cat 5e, Cat 6, and Cat 6a. Cat 5 = 100mbps Cat 5e = 1000mbps Cat 6 = 1000mbps Cat 6a = 10gbps All 100m length

What is DNS

Domain Name System. It is responsible for translating hostnames to IP addresses. DNS servers hold this information in DNS records.

What is DHCP

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. Dynamically hands out IP addresses from a pool to devices on the network. These addresses are leased for a designated amount of time and must be renewed.

Why should we hire you?

I have a lot of education in this field I have hands on practice setting up and configuriong cisco networks and devices I am net+ certified I have experience troubleshooting thiese types of issues in a home environment I am a comitted employee looking for a company to stick with

What is Active Directory?

It is a feature of Windows Server OS to manage user accounts, hostnames, group policies, and domain services.

What is a Domain?

It is group of computer and users connected to a network. Users gain access to a domain by logging in within Active Directory using a domain login.

What is Blue Screen of Death

Mostly casued by bad hardware, software or driver issues/conflicts. Need to run full hardware diagnostic and update drivers.

Can You tell me about yourself

Talk about education, experience, and training related to this field. Talk about education at sbcc, cisco netacad, troubleshooting and pc building at home etc.

What is the ping command and its use?

The ping command is a simple network command used to test device connectivity to outside devices or the internet. It uses ICMP sending echo requests and replies.

You receive a ticket that states "my printer is not printing properly, it prints out weird patterns on the paper."

This is caused by a bad or incorrect printer driver. Solve by installing correct driver.

What is Safe Mode, how do you get to it, and what is it used for?

To get to safe mode, restart the computer and press F8 key. Select safe mode at new screen. Safe mode is used to troubleshoot driver issues, hardware issues, viruses, or unwanted software

What is a VPN

Virtual Private Network. They are used to connect two remote locations securely over the internet using encryption tunnels.

How would you cange folder permissions?

You can change folder permissions through group policy or on the local level with adminstrator privileges. Go under folder properties and select security tab and edit. There you can add users or edit read, write, execute, or full permissions.

How would you recover data from a Virus infected computer?

You can take the infected drive out of the computer, plug it in externally to another computer that has updated virus definitions, MS patches, and drivers. You can then scan the drive from this PC to detect and remove the virus. After that it is safe to extract data.