Hardware and Networking Interview Questions

1.What is APIPA?

A.Automatic Private IP Addressing.

2.What is BIOS what can we do with BIOS?

A.BIOS is Basic Input Output System, it establishes basic communication when the computer is first turned on. It performs a power-on self-test (POST) for all of the different hardware components in the system to make sure all devices are working properly. It is stored in a CMOS chip.

3.How to get into the BIOS setup?

A.While we power on our system keep pressing the function key F2, and select advanced BIOS setup.

4.What is RAM AND ROM?

A.RAM: Random Access Memory - Used to temporarily store information that the computer is currently working with. ROM: Read Only Memory - also known as firmware, is an integrated circuit programmed with specific data when it is manufactured. Its a permanent type of memory storage used by the computer for important data that does not change, e.g. the BIOS instructions.

5.What is a Motherboard?

A.This is the main circuit board that all of the other internal components connect to. The CPU and memory are usually on the motherboard. Other systems may be found directly on the motherboard or connected to it through a secondary connection. For example, a sound card can be built into the motherboard or connected through a PCI slot.

6.What is SMPS?

A.Switched Mode Power Supply is an electrical transformer that converts AC to DC and distributes power in lower voltages to different components in the motherboard/drives.

7.What is a Hard Disk?

A.This is large-capacity permanent storage used to hold information such as programs and documents. The OS is normally stored in this.

8.What is an OS?

A.Operating system - This is the basic software that allows the user to interface with the computer. The BIOS loads the OS into the RAM.

9.What is an IDE controller?

A.Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) Controller is the primary interface for the hard drive, CDROM and floppy disk drive and is located in the motherboard.

10.What is PCI?

A.Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) - The most common way to connect additional components to the computer, PCI uses a series of slots on the motherboard that PCI cards plug into.

11.What is AGP?

A.AGP - Accelerated Graphics Port is a very high-speed connection used by the graphics card to interface with the computer.

12.What are Sound Cards and Graphics Cards?

A.Sound card - This is used by the computer to record and play audio by converting analog sound into digital information and back again. Graphics card - This translates image data from the computer into a format that can be displayed by the monitor.

13.What are the different kinds of ports?

A.Parallel : This port is commonly used to connect a printer. Serial : This port is typically used to connect an external modem. Universal Serial Bus (USB) : Quickly becoming the most popular external connection, USB ports offer power and versatility and are incredibly easy to use. FireWire (IEEE 1394) : FireWire is a very popular method of connecting digital video devices,such as camcorders or digital cameras, to your computer.

14.What is Msconfig what are different tabs available?

A.Msconfig (Microsoft system configuration utility) is designed to help you troubleshoot problems with your computer, to ensure your computer boots faster and crashes less. The 6 tabs in Microsoft system configuration utility are : General�, Config.sys , Autoexec.bat , System.ini , Win.ini and Startup

15.How do you launch �System Restore�?

A.Click Start : Programs -> Accessories�-> System Tools -> System Restore. Click Start : Run -> type msconfig -> In general tab click �Launch System Restore� button.

16.What are features of Win XP?

A.Security Center, Windows Firewall, Automatic Updates, NetMeeting, Remote Desktop, Fast User Switching, Personalized welcome screen, Remote Assistance, Files and Settings transfer wizard, Desktop Cleanup Wizard, Taskbar Grouping, CD burning, Windows Movie Maker, System Restore, format and partitioning option available while installation, file compression, Picture and Fax Viewer, etc.

17.What is safe mode and how to go to safe mode?

A.When you boot the computer in safe mode, windows loads with a minimum set of essential drivers. To go to safe mode, while the system boots, keep pressing function key F8 repeatedly, and select, either of these options from the Windows startup options screen (a) safe mode (b) safe mode with networking (c) safe mode with command prompt

18.How to disable startup items?

A.Launch msconfig. Click startup tab, clear the check box to disable a startup item.

19.What is DISK CLEANUP?

A.A utility to delete unnecessary and temp files in the drive to free up the hard disk space; launched from system tools in Accessories menu.

20.What is DISK DEFRAGMENTER?

A.Rearranges file fragments that are stored in the hard disk in a sequence so that file accessing is now faster than before. In a way, it helps the computer to run faster and efficiently; launched from system tools in Accessories menu.

21.What is REMOTE ASSISTANCE?

A.Lets you to invite a friend to connect to your computer and helps in trouble shooting..

22.What are the types of file systems in Windows XP?

A.Fat 32, NTFS.

23.Name few icons that are present in control panel?

A.System, Display, Sounds, Windows firewall, Security centre, Add/remove programs, Power Options, User Accounts, Automatic Updates, etc.

24.How to uninstall software?

A.Using Add/remove programs, or else using uninstall option that already exists with the software.

25.What are different error symbols in Device manager?

A.(a)A black exclamation point (!) on a yellow field indicates the device is in a problem state. Note that a device that is in a problem state can be functioning. A problem code explaining the problem is displayed for the device. (b)A red "X" indicates a disabled device. A disabled device is a device that is physically present in the computer and is consuming resources, but does not have a protected-mode driver loaded. (c)A blue "i" on a white field on a device resource in Computer properties indicates that the Use automatic settings feature is not selected for the device and that the resource was manually selected. Note that this does not indicate a problem or disabled state. (d)A green question mark "?" in Device Manager indicates that a compatible driver for this device is installed, indicating the possibility that all of the functionality may not be available.

26.How to find IP address?

A.Type the command "ipconfig" in the command prompt.

27.How to reset IP address?

A.(a)Type ipconfig /release and press enter. (b) Then type ipconfig /renew and press enter

28.How to find MAC address?

A.Type ipconfig /all. The adapter (physical) address is MAC address.

29.What is the difference between RJ-11 and RJ-45?

A.RJ-11 cable is used for connecting telephones and RJ-45 is used to connect computers (for networking).

30.What is �ping�?

A.ping is the command that we use to check connectivity our system in the network to which our system is attached to and for internet connectivity as well. The syntax is ping <IP address> (or) ping <url>

31.What are different types of internet connections?

A.Dialup, cable, broadband and wireless.

32.What is SMPS?

A.SWITCHED MODE POWER SUPPLY.

33.What is services.msc?

A.Access it through either Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services or go to Start > Run, type services.msc and press [Enter].

34.What is DRIVER ROLL BACK?

A.Device Driver Roll Back reinstalls the driver you were using previously and restores any driver settings that were changed when you added the new driver. Note that you cannot restore printer drivers with Device Driver Roll Back. To roll back a device driver to a previous version.

35.What are ports and slots? What is the difference between the two?

A.Ports: �Ports are used for connecting device peripherals. Ex. USB ports, KEYBOARD, GAME CONTROLLER PORTS. Slots:� Slots are present in mother board, which is used for holding hardware components like RAM, VISUAL GRAPHICS ENCHANCER CARD.All personal computers except portables contain expansion slots for adding more memory, graphics capabilities, and support for special devices.

36.What are Programs included with Windows XP?

A.Windows�XP provides the tools you need to work and play in todays high-speed communications environment. Your toolbox includes system tools that help you set and adjust system resources, users and user groups, and scheduled system tasks. Accessories help you get the job done, no matter what the job is. You can create documents and images, calculate figures, schedule your time, and have online meetings with co-workers. When its time to enjoy some music, browse the Internet, or play a few games. Your communications and entertainment tools will help you relax.

37.What is Safe Mode?

A.A diagnostic mode that Windows95 or 98 can start in, with minimal configuration and generic drivers so that system errors can possibly be corrected. You can access this mode by pressing �F8 when you see the words "Starting Windows" on the screen at startup.

38.Can you connect to the internet in Safe Mode?

A.Yes. Go into safe mode with networking

39.How to determine the version of Internet Explorer for Windows?

A.In all versions of Internet Explorer, click About Internet Explorer on the Help menu. The product and version information is displayed in the dialog box that appears.

40.How does System restore work?

A.Windows XP periodically records a snapshot of your computer. These snapshots are called restore points. Windows XP also creates restore points at the time of significant system events (such as when an application or driver is installed) or you can create and name your own restore points at any time. If you have installed a program that has made your computer unstable, you can open system restore, choose a restore point, and return your computer to its previous stable state.

41.What is a Virus?

A.A program or piece of code that is loaded onto your computer without your knowledge and runs against your wishes. Viruses can also replicate themselves. All computer viruses are manmade. A simple virus that can make a copy of itself over and over again is relatively easy to produce. Even such a simple virus is dangerous because it will quickly use all available memory and bring the system to a halt. An even more dangerous type of virus is one capable of transmitting itself across networks and bypassing security systems.

42.What is a Firewall?

A.A firewall is a system designed to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network. Firewalls can be implemented in both hardware and software, or a combination of both. Firewalls are frequently used to prevent unauthorized Internet users from accessing private networks connected to the Internet, especially intranets. All messages entering or leaving the intranet pass through the firewall, which examines each message and blocks those that do not meet the specified security criteria.

43.What is Anti virus?

A.Antivirus software is a type of application you install to protect your system from viruses, worms and other malicious code. Most antivirus programs will monitor traffic while you surf the Web, scan incoming email and file attachments and periodically check all local files for the existence of any known malicious code.

44.Mention few anti-virus?

A.Symantec, Mcafee, AVG, Norman, ..etc..

45.Different kinds of Web Browser?

A.Internet Explorer ,�Opera , Mozilla and chrome.

46.What are the versions in Windows Microsoft Vista?

A.Home Premium , Home Basic , Ultimate , Business and Enterprise.

47.What are the versions in Windows Microsoft Vista?

A.Home Premium , Home Basic , Ultimate , Business and Enterprise.

48.What is the difference between Win XP and Win 98,2000, 95?

A.Win XP- Wireless 0 Configuration,Has Security Center,Supports Plug N Play and NTFS 5.1 Win98 and below has FAT file system

49.What is the importance of Hardware Acceleration?

A.It improves the speed the computer to a great extent.

50.What are the various kinds of browsers?

A.Text browsers: kynx , graphical browsers: Netscape, IE, Mozilla, Safari, Opera

51.How do you determine if there is latency in your connection?

A.Latency is a measure of the roundtrip time between two communicating devices. Higher latency means that it takes longer for the two machines to exchange information. In games, the state of the players changes rapidly and you could be dead before you know it if the latency is too high.

52.How do you do a trace route? What is the importance of it?

A.Trace route is to find the path taken by a single packet in any network, by trace route we can detemine the time, speed latency period of a network.

53.What is Active X?

A.ActiveX is a set of technologies from Microsoft that enables interactive content for the World Wide Web. Before ActiveX, Web content was static, 2-dimensional text and graphics. With ActiveX, Web sites come alive using multimedia effects, interactive objects, and sophisticated applications that create a user experience comparable to that of high-quality CD-ROM titles. ActiveX provides the glue that ties together a wide assortment of technology building blocks to enable these "active" Web sites.

54.What is DNS?

A.Domain Name Server, it converts the user friendly name into the coresponding ipaddress.

55.How do you do a trace route? What is the importance of it?

A.Trace route is to find the path taken by a single packet in any network, by trace route we can detemine the time, speed latency period of a network.

56.How do you find if a printer is a network or Standalone printer?

A.In printer and faxes chck if the printer hs shared symbol if so its shared in network else stanaloneprinter.

57.What is the importance of a Firewall?

A.Firewall is a software that keeps a check on all ports in computer anything communicated to outside the computer is monitored by firewall.

58.What are the different Operating Systems?

A.Windows: 95,98,2000,NT,Xp,Vista . Mac: Mac X, jaguar, tiger, leapord . Linux: Redhat, Ubuntu, Fedora, Solaris, Dos.

59.How do you determine the speed of your Internet connection?

A.Right click on the network click status it will show the speed of the network usualy speed of a networkis expressed in kilobits per second (Kbps).

60.What is the significance of Upload and Download Speed?

A.Upload speed determines the speed in which the content is uploaded or sent usually its 20% of the full bandwidth Download speed determines the speed in which the content is downloaded or received usually its 80% of the full bandwidth and some network have the speeds balanced

61.How do you clear saved passwords in IE?

A.Open Internet Explorer : Click on Tools .Internet Options, Click on the Content tab and click on Auto Complete, Click on Clear Passwords.

62.How do you find out what service pack your OS has?

A.In windows start>run>dxdiag in system Tab wil show Service pack Right click my computer>System properties>general

63.How do you set a home page for your browser?

A.Opem IE->tools ->IE options ->general tab ->type the URLof the website.

64.How do you change the monitor display / color settings?

A.Right click on background ->properties ->settings.

65.How do you troubleshoot a PCBD Error on pulling up a website?

A.Page Cannot Be Displayed (PCBD) Error can be overcome by refreshing,click back and type URL once again delete cookies.

66.What do you know about Port Numbers?

A.A port is used for exit or entry of data, each port is assigned a number.

67.What is Port Forwarding?

A.Port forwarding (sometimes referred to as tunneling) is the act of forwarding a network port from one network node to another. This technique can allow an external user to reach a port on a private IP address (inside a LAN) from the outside via a NAT-enabled router.

68.What is the command for finding out the IP address in Win 98?

A.In windows 95,98 and ME -> start, run, type winipcfg and hit enter. In windows 95,98,ME,NT (win2k,XP) run ipconfig from a dos prompt.

69.How can you disable the Win XP firewall?

A.Control panel ->Security center ->Windows firewall ->General Tab ->check the option off

70.What is the port that enables you to browse secured web sites?

A.SSL port 443

71.How do you find out the version of a MAC OS?

A.Apple menu ->About this Mac(About this computer) ->System OS

72.How do you insert a Picture in MS PowerPoint?

A.Insert ->Image ->browse add picture

73.What is SSL?

A.SSL(Secure Sockets Layer) is used to transmit confidential infonnation from one system to another.

74.What is a pop up blocker used for?

A.To block unwanted Ads or websites that pop up on visiting Websites.

75.How do you merge two PPT files?

A.Select the files to be merged and right click select merge.

76.What are the various browsers on a MAC OS?

A.Safari, Mac Web

77.What are the various versions of IE?

A.Internet Explorer 4 , 5, 5.5, 6, 7.

78.What is a Terminal Session?

A.Terminal services can allow remote computers to run desktops and applications on a server as though it is running locally. Terminal Sesssion is if someone wants help helping them through remote assistance through network.

79.What are cookies?

A.Cookies are often used for storing passwords so you dont have to type them in every time you visit a page, they also store information you have used before

80.What is the difference between a dial up and a DSL connection?

A.Dial up Uses phone line for connection hen in use telephone wont be available data is sent in the same bandwidth as voice Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) : This category of technologies are currently the fastest available right now. DSL : is the superset of many technologies, where data is transmitted down your normal copper line as digital signals, because voice uses a different frequency, you can do both at once, splitters at either end split the voice and the data into separate streams.

81.What is Win XP Switcher Profile?

A.It allows you to switch between local and roaming profile To switch between a roaming and local user profile Open System in Control Panel. On the Advanced tab, under User Profiles, click Settings. Under Profiles stored on this computer, click the user profile you want to change, and then click Change Type

82.What is an OSI Layer in Networking?

A.Open System Interconnection, model defines a networking framework for implementing protocols in seven layers. Control is passed from one layer to the next, starting at the application layer in one station, proceeding to the bottom layer, over the channel to the next station and back up the hierarchy. Physical, Data,Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, Application are the seven OSI layers in network.

83.What is the importance of Anti Virus programs?

A.Anti-virus are softwares that monitors for any viruses or spyware changes on the computer if found it deletes the viruses or spyware.

84.How do you underline word in MS Word?

A.Highlight the word be undelined with the word highligted ->press Ctrl+U In Format Toolbar>Click U

85.What is a netstat command?

A.The netstat command symbolically displays the contents of various network-related data structures for active connections. The Interval parameter, specified in seconds, continuously displays information regarding packet traffic on the configured network interfaces.

86.What is Java?

A.Java is a programming language to create active user web documenatation.

87.What is ICMP?

A.Internet Control Message Protocol

Comments