20+ Deskside Support Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

VLANs segment networks, STP prevents loops, and trunking allows multiple VLANs over a single link.

• VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) create isolated networks within a switch, improving security and reducing broadcast traffic.

• Example: VLAN 10 for HR and VLAN 20 for Finance, keeping their traffic separate.

• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) prevents network loops in redundant switch configurations by blocking certain paths.

• Example: In a network with multiple switches, STP will disabl...read more

An IP address is a unique identifier assigned to devices on a network, while a MAC address is a unique identifier assigned to network interfaces.

• IP address stands for Internet Protocol address and is used to identify devices on a network

• MAC address stands for Media Access Control address and is used to identify network interfaces

• IP addresses are assigned by a DHCP server or can be manually configured

• MAC addresses are hard-coded into the network interface by the manufacturer

• IP...read more

Windows 11 is the latest version of the Windows operating system, succeeding Windows 10.

• Windows 11 has a redesigned Start menu and taskbar.

• Windows 11 introduces new features like Snap Layouts and Snap Groups for multitasking.

• Windows 11 has a centered taskbar and rounded corners for a more modern look.

• Windows 11 requires more advanced hardware specifications compared to Windows 10.

• Windows 11 offers improved gaming capabilities with features like DirectStorage and Auto HDR.

• Wind...read more

The hardware requirements for Windows 10 include a 1 GHz or faster processor, 1 GB RAM for 32-bit or 2 GB RAM for 64-bit, 16 GB of free disk space, and a DirectX 9 graphics card.

• Processor: 1 GHz or faster

• RAM: 1 GB for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit

• Disk Space: 16 GB of free space

• Graphics Card: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver

Active Directory is a directory service that stores information about network resources and enables centralized management.

• Active Directory is a Microsoft technology used in Windows-based networks.

• It provides a centralized database for managing and organizing network resources such as users, computers, and printers.

• Active Directory uses a hierarchical structure with domains, trees, and forests.

• It allows for authentication, authorization, and access control to network resource...read more

ServiceNow is a cloud-based IT service management platform that helps organizations manage digital workflows.

• ServiceNow is used for IT service management, IT operations management, and IT business management

• Request: A request is a service request made by a user, such as a request for a new laptop or software installation

• Incident: An incident is an unplanned interruption to an IT service or reduction in the quality of an IT service

• Change: A change is the addition, modification...read more

There are different types of licenses for MS Office, such as Home, Personal, Business, and Enterprise.

• MS Office licenses include Home, Personal, Business, and Enterprise editions.

• Home license is for personal use and includes applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Personal license is similar to Home but includes additional features like Outlook and Publisher.

• Business license is designed for small to medium-sized businesses and includes applications like Word, Excel, Pow...read more

DNS stands for Domain Name System.

• DNS is a system that translates domain names into IP addresses.

• It is used to locate and identify devices on the internet.

• DNS servers store information about domain names and their corresponding IP addresses.

• DNS is essential for browsing the internet and accessing websites.

• DNS can also be used for other purposes such as email routing and network troubleshooting.

Windows 10 comes in several editions, including Home, Pro, Enterprise, and Education.

• Windows 10 Home edition is designed for home users and includes basic features.

• Windows 10 Pro edition is targeted towards business users and includes additional features like BitLocker encryption and remote desktop.

• Windows 10 Enterprise edition is for large organizations and offers advanced security and management capabilities.

• Windows 10 Education edition is similar to Enterprise but is licen...read more

Printer installation is the process of setting up and configuring a printer to work with a computer or network.

• Connect the printer to the computer or network

• Install the printer driver software

• Configure printer settings such as paper size and print quality

• Test the printer to ensure it is working properly

Straight cable coding is a method of connecting two devices of the same type using a straight-through cable.

• Straight cable coding is used to connect two devices of the same type, such as a PC to a switch or a router to a router.

• In straight cable coding, the wires at one end of the cable are arranged in the same order as the wires at the other end.

• Straight cable coding is also known as a patch cable or a straight-through cable.

• An example of straight cable coding is connecting ...read more

Crossover cable coding is a way of connecting two devices directly without using a switch or hub.

• Crossover cables have the transmit and receive wires crossed over, allowing two devices to communicate directly.

• The coding is different from a standard Ethernet cable, which has the same wiring on both ends.

• Crossover cables are commonly used to connect two computers or two switches together.

• To identify a crossover cable, look for a label or color coding on the cable itself.

• Crossov...read more

Types of networks include LAN, WAN, MAN, WLAN, PAN, SAN, CAN, and VPN.

• LAN (Local Area Network) is a network that covers a small area like a home, office, or building.

• WAN (Wide Area Network) is a network that covers a large geographical area like a city, country, or even the world.

• MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) is a network that covers a larger area than a LAN but smaller than a WAN, usually a city or town.

• WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) is a LAN that uses wireless technol...read more

DHCP is a protocol that assigns IP addresses to devices on a network. ADDS is a service that manages users and computers in a Windows domain.

• DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol

• DHCP assigns IP addresses to devices on a network

• ADDS stands for Active Directory Domain Services

• ADDS is a service that manages users and computers in a Windows domain

• ADDS provides authentication and authorization services for Windows-based computers

Windows installation is the process of setting up the Windows operating system on a computer.

• It involves creating a bootable media such as a DVD or USB drive

• The installation process includes selecting language, time zone, and partitioning the hard drive

• Users can choose between a clean install or an upgrade

• Drivers and software may need to be installed after the Windows installation is complete

As a deskside support engineer, I can provide computer and audio video solutions for any issue.

• Troubleshooting hardware and software issues

• Setting up and configuring audio and video equipment

• Installing and updating drivers and software

• Providing training and support for users

• Ensuring security and data protection

• Examples: fixing a computer that won't turn on, setting up a projector for a presentation, troubleshooting sound issues on a video call

A domain is a network of computers that are managed and controlled by a single entity.

• A domain is a logical grouping of computers, servers, and other network devices.

• It allows for centralized management and administration of resources.

• Domains are typically used in business environments to provide security, access control, and resource sharing.

• Each domain has a unique name and is identified by its domain name system (DNS) address.

• Examples of domains include microsoft.com, goog...read more

An O365 Administrator manages and maintains the Office 365 environment for an organization.

• Manages user accounts, licenses, and permissions

• Configures and troubleshoots email, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams

• Monitors and maintains security and compliance

• Provides end-user support and training

• Keeps up-to-date with new features and updates

Windows server password policy is a set of rules that define the complexity and expiration of passwords.

• Password length and complexity requirements

• Password expiration and history

• Account lockout policy

• Enforcement of password policy through Group Policy

• Examples: Minimum password length of 8 characters, requiring a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters

• Examples: Passwords must be changed every 90 days, cannot reuse the last 5 passwords

• Exa...read more

Troubleshooting involves identifying and resolving issues in systems or processes effectively.

• Identify the problem: Gather information from users about the issue they are facing.

• Replicate the issue: Try to reproduce the problem to understand its nature.

• Check for common solutions: Look for known issues or solutions in documentation.

• Use diagnostic tools: Utilize software tools to analyze system performance and errors.

• Escalate if necessary: If the issue cannot be resolved, escal...read more