20+ Computer Hardware & Networking Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

A gateway is a hardware device that connects two dissimilar types of networks, allowing data to be sent and received through the internet even if it is a LAN network.

• Gateway acts as an entry and exit point for data traffic between networks

• It translates data between different network protocols

• Examples include routers and firewalls that connect a local network to the internet

There are six commonly known types of servers: Web, Application, Database, Mail, FTP, and DNS servers.

• Web servers handle HTTP requests and deliver web pages to clients.

• Application servers provide a platform for running applications and managing resources.

• Database servers store and manage databases, allowing access and retrieval of data.

• Mail servers handle email communication, including sending, receiving, and storing messages.

• FTP servers facilitate file transfers between clie...read more

A gateway is a hardware device that connects two dissimilar types of networks, allowing data to be sent and received between them.

• Gateway acts as an entry and exit point for data traffic between networks

• It translates data from one format to another to enable communication between networks

• Examples include routers, switches, and firewalls that serve as gateways between LAN and WAN networks

An operating system is system software that serves as an interface between users and computer hardware.

• Operating system is responsible for managing computer resources and providing a platform for running applications.

• It controls and coordinates the hardware and software components of a computer system.

• Examples of operating systems include Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.

• Operating systems provide services such as file management, memory management, process scheduling, and d...read more

There are five types of VLAN in computer networking: Default VLAN, Data VLAN, Voice VLAN, Management VLAN, and Native VLAN.

• Default VLAN is the VLAN that all switch ports are assigned to by default.

• Data VLAN is used to carry regular network traffic.

• Voice VLAN is used to carry voice traffic for VoIP systems.

• Management VLAN is used for managing network devices.

• Native VLAN is used for untagged traffic on a trunk port.

Windows 10 and Windows 11 have differences in terms of user interface, features, system requirements, and performance improvements.

• User Interface: Windows 11 introduces a centered Start menu, redesigned taskbar, and new snap layouts.

• Features: Windows 11 includes new features like Snap Groups, Direct integration with Microsoft Teams, and improved gaming capabilities.

• System Requirements: Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements compared to Windows 10.

• Performance Improvemen...read more

A Windows Blue Screen error occurs when the operating system encounters a critical error and cannot recover.

• Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is a stop error screen displayed by Windows when it encounters a system crash or error.

• It is usually caused by hardware or software issues, such as faulty drivers, incompatible software, or hardware failures.

• To troubleshoot a BSOD, you can analyze the error code displayed on the screen, check for recent hardware or software changes, update dr...read more

There are 5 classes of IP addresses in networking: Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class E.

• Class A addresses have a range from 1.0.0.0 to 126.0.0.0 and are used for large networks.

• Class B addresses have a range from 128.0.0.0 to 191.255.0.0 and are used for medium-sized networks.

• Class C addresses have a range from 192.0.0.0 to 223.255.255.0 and are used for small networks.

• Class D addresses have a range from 224.0.0.0 to 239.255.255.255 and are used for multicast purpo...read more

A network is a collection of interconnected devices and systems that communicate and share resources.

• A network allows devices to communicate with each other, enabling data transfer and resource sharing.

• Networks can be local (LAN) or wide area (WAN), depending on the geographical area they cover.

• Networks can be wired (Ethernet) or wireless (Wi-Fi), using different protocols for data transmission.

• Examples of networks include the internet, corporate networks, and home networks.

There is no such thing as an error cord 512.

• There is no known error cord 512 in computer hardware and networking.

• It is possible that the interviewer made a mistake in phrasing the question.

• As an engineer, it is important to clarify and ask for more information when faced with unclear questions.

Error cord is not a known term in computer hardware and networking engineering.

• There is no such thing as an error cord in computer hardware and networking engineering.

• It is possible that the interviewer meant to ask about an error code.

• An error code is a message displayed by a computer program or device to indicate that an error has occurred.

I primarily use TCP/IP protocol for networking communication.

• TCP/IP is the most commonly used protocol in computer networking.

• It is a suite of protocols that allows devices to communicate over a network.

• Examples of TCP/IP protocols include HTTP, FTP, SMTP, and Telnet.

To configure Outlook, you need to open the application, enter your email address and password, and set up the server settings.

• Open Outlook application

• Click on 'File' and then 'Add Account'

• Enter your email address and password

• Follow the prompts to set up server settings (IMAP/POP and SMTP)

• Click 'Finish' to complete the configuration

A hard disk is a data storage device used for storing and retrieving digital information using rapidly rotating disks coated with magnetic material.

• Hard disks are commonly used in computers to store operating systems, software, and user data.

• They provide non-volatile storage, meaning data is retained even when the computer is turned off.

• Hard disks have spinning platters that store data magnetically, and read/write heads that access and modify this data.

• Examples of hard disk m...read more

CCNA stands for Cisco Certified Network Associate. It is a certification program offered by Cisco Systems to validate networking skills.

• CCNA is a widely recognized certification in the field of computer networking.

• It covers various networking topics such as routing and switching, network security, wireless networking, and network troubleshooting.

• CCNA certification helps professionals gain knowledge and skills required to design, build, and maintain computer networks.

• It is an ...read more

WAN (Wide Area Network) and LAN (Local Area Network) are two types of networks that work together to connect devices over different geographical areas.

• WAN covers large geographical areas, connecting multiple LANs together.

• LAN is limited to a small area, like a single building or campus.

• WAN uses public infrastructure like telephone lines, fiber optics, or satellite links.

• LAN typically uses Ethernet cables or Wi-Fi for connections within a limited area.

• Example: A company may ha...read more

Work RAM, also known as random-access memory, is a type of computer memory that is used to store data and machine code currently being used by the CPU.

• Work RAM is volatile memory, meaning it loses its data when the computer is turned off.

• It is much faster than storage memory like hard drives or SSDs.

• Work RAM is crucial for multitasking and running programs efficiently on a computer.

• Examples of work RAM include DDR4, DDR3, and DDR2 RAM modules.

A computer is an electronic device that processes data, performing calculations and executing instructions to solve problems.

• Computers consist of hardware (physical components) and software (programs and applications).

• Examples of hardware include the CPU, RAM, hard drives, and motherboards.

• Software examples include operating systems like Windows, macOS, and applications like Microsoft Office.

• Computers can be classified into various types: desktops, laptops, servers, and embed...read more

AI, or Artificial Intelligence, refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines programmed to think and learn.

• AI encompasses machine learning, where algorithms improve through experience.

• Natural Language Processing (NLP) allows machines to understand and respond to human language, like chatbots.

• Computer vision enables machines to interpret and make decisions based on visual data, used in facial recognition.

• Robotics combines AI with physical machines, enabling autom...read more