50+ Senior System Administrator Interview Questions and Answers

Answers to questions related to Senior System Administrator role

• To stop IIS service, open Services console and stop the World Wide Web Publishing Service

• CDN stands for Content Delivery Network, it is a distributed network of servers that deliver web content to users based on their geographic location

• 502 bad gateway error occurs when a server acting as a gateway or proxy receives an invalid response from an upstream server

• FSMO stands for Flexible Single Master Operations, ther...read more

Staging a server in VM and physical environment

• Create a VM with the same specifications as the physical server

• Install the same operating system and software on both the VM and physical server

• Configure the VM to mimic the network settings of the physical server

• Test the applications and services on the VM before deploying to the physical server

• Ensure that the VM and physical server have the same hardware and software configurations

• Use tools like VMware vSphere or Microsoft Hype...read more

Ansible is best for tasks on multiple servers due to its automation and scalability.

• Ansible allows for automation of tasks across multiple servers, reducing manual effort and potential errors.

• Ansible is scalable, allowing for easy management of large server environments.

• Shell scripts can be useful for simple tasks on a few servers, but become cumbersome and error-prone on larger scales.

• Ansible also provides better logging and reporting capabilities compared to shell scripts.

• E...read more

Set up passwordless authentication between Linux servers using SSH keys

• Generate SSH key pair on the source server using ssh-keygen command

• Copy the public key to the destination server's authorized_keys file

• Ensure correct permissions on .ssh directory and authorized_keys file (700 and 600 respectively)

• Test the passwordless authentication by SSHing from source to destination server

The NPS service is a network policy server used for network authentication. It can be integrated with network devices using RADIUS protocol.

• Set up NPS server with network policies for authentication

• Configure network devices to use RADIUS server for authentication

• Ensure proper communication between NPS server and network devices

• Test authentication process to ensure it is working correctly

Security tools can be installed using package managers or manually downloading and installing them.

• Use package managers like apt-get, yum, or pacman to install security tools

• Manually download and install security tools from their official websites

• Regularly update the security tools to ensure the latest security patches are applied

To deploy and configure monitoring tool in the server, follow these steps:

• Choose a monitoring tool that suits your needs and requirements

• Install the monitoring tool on the server

• Configure the monitoring tool to monitor the desired metrics and parameters

• Set up alerts and notifications for critical events

• Regularly review and analyze the monitoring data to identify issues and optimize performance

Antivirus application is essential for protecting systems from malware. Troubleshooting infected PCs and drives involves several steps.

• Ensure antivirus software is up-to-date and perform a full system scan

• Isolate infected PC or drive from the network to prevent further spread of malware

• Identify and remove any malicious files or programs detected by the antivirus software

• Restore any damaged or deleted files from backups

• Educate users on safe browsing habits and avoiding suspici...read more

To troubleshoot Windows Server reboot issue, check event logs, hardware, drivers, and updates.

• Check event logs for any error messages or warnings related to the reboot

• Check hardware components such as RAM, CPU, and power supply

• Check drivers for any outdated or corrupted drivers

• Check for any pending updates or patches

• Use diagnostic tools such as Windows Memory Diagnostic or System File Checker

• Check for any malware or virus infections

• Review any recent changes made to the system...read more

A clone is an exact copy of a virtual machine while a template is a pre-configured virtual machine that can be used to create clones.

• Clones are independent copies of a virtual machine, while templates are pre-configured virtual machines used for creating clones

• Clones retain the same configuration and settings as the original virtual machine, while templates are used as a baseline for creating new virtual machines

• Clones are fully functional virtual machines that can be powered...read more

Identifying vulnerabilities involves scanning for weaknesses and analyzing potential threats.

• Perform regular vulnerability scans using tools like Nessus or OpenVAS

• Analyze system logs and network traffic for suspicious activity

• Stay up-to-date on security patches and advisories

• Conduct penetration testing to simulate attacks and identify weaknesses

• Utilize threat intelligence sources to stay informed of emerging threats

• Implement security best practices such as strong passwords an...read more

We use JIRA and ServiceNow for ticketing.

• JIRA is used for internal IT tickets and project management.

• ServiceNow is used for external customer tickets and incident management.

• Both tools are highly customizable and integrate well with other systems.

• We also have experience with Zendesk and Freshdesk for smaller teams or projects.

MX record is a DNS record that specifies the mail server responsible for accepting email messages on behalf of a domain.

• MX record stands for Mail Exchange record

• It is used to route emails to the correct mail server

• MX record contains a priority value to determine the order of mail servers to try

• Example: MX record for domain example.com could be '10 mail.example.com' and '20 backup.example.com'

• Without an MX record, email delivery may fail or be delayed

To create and configure an Outlook profile, open Outlook, go to File > Account Settings > Add Account, enter email address and password, and follow prompts.

• Open Outlook application on your computer

• Go to File menu and select Account Settings

• Click on Add Account

• Enter your email address and password

• Follow the prompts to complete the setup

AD object refers to any entity that can be stored in Active Directory.

• AD objects can be users, groups, computers, printers, etc.

• Each object has a unique identifier called a Security Identifier (SID).

• Objects can have attributes such as name, description, email address, etc.

• Objects can be organized into containers such as Organizational Units (OU).

I have worked on a variety of technologies including Windows Server, Linux, VMware, Active Directory, and networking equipment.

• Windows Server

• Linux

• VMware

• Active Directory

• Networking equipment

I have extensive expertise in VMware virtualization technology.

• Experience in deploying and managing VMware vSphere environments

• Proficient in troubleshooting and resolving issues related to VMware infrastructure

• Skilled in optimizing performance and capacity planning for VMware virtual machines

• Knowledge of VMware NSX for network virtualization

• Certifications such as VMware Certified Professional (VCP) demonstrate expertise

To strengthen network security, I would implement strong encryption, regularly update software, conduct regular security audits, and educate users on best practices.

• Implement strong encryption protocols such as SSL/TLS to protect data in transit

• Regularly update software and firmware to patch vulnerabilities

• Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address weaknesses

• Educate users on best practices such as creating strong passwords and avoiding phi...read more

I will troubleshoot email delivery issues by checking server settings, spam filters, DNS records, and email logs.

• Check server settings to ensure proper configuration

• Review spam filters to see if emails are being blocked

• Verify DNS records for correct MX entries

• Examine email logs for any errors or delivery failures

I would start by checking physical connections, then move on to checking network settings and configurations, and finally use network monitoring tools to identify any issues.

• Check physical connections such as cables and ports

• Verify network settings and configurations on devices

• Use network monitoring tools like Wireshark to analyze traffic

• Check for any network congestion or bandwidth issues

• Test connectivity between devices using tools like ping or traceroute

Users can be created in Active Directory using tools like Active Directory Users and Computers or PowerShell commands.

• Use Active Directory Users and Computers tool to manually create users

• Use PowerShell commands like New-ADUser to create users programmatically

• Specify user details such as username, password, group membership, etc. when creating users

Postfix configuration file is typically stored in /etc/postfix/

• Postfix configuration file is usually located in /etc/postfix/

• Main configuration file is usually named 'main.cf'

• Additional configuration files may be stored in the same directory

Azure Active Directory is a cloud-based identity and access management service, while ADDS (Active Directory Domain Services) is an on-premises directory service.

• AAD is cloud-based, ADDS is on-premises

• AAD is used for managing identities and access to cloud resources, ADDS is used for managing identities and access to on-premises resources

• AAD is a SaaS offering, ADDS is a traditional Windows Server role

To install a patch, download it from the vendor's website and apply it using the appropriate method.

• Download the patch from the vendor's website

• Verify the patch is compatible with the system

• Apply the patch using the appropriate method (e.g. command line, GUI)

• Test the system to ensure the patch was successful

To modify quorum type in failover cluster, use PowerShell cmdlet Set-ClusterQuorum.

• Use PowerShell cmdlet Set-ClusterQuorum to modify quorum type in failover cluster

• Specify the new quorum type using the -QuorumType parameter

• For example, to set the quorum type to Node Majority, use the command: Set-ClusterQuorum -Cluster ClusterName -QuorumType NodeMajority

FSMO (Flexible Single Master Operations) roles are specialized Active Directory domain controller tasks.

• There are five FSMO roles: Schema Master, Domain Naming Master, RID Master, PDC Emulator, and Infrastructure Master.

• Schema Master: responsible for maintaining the schema of the AD domain.

• Domain Naming Master: responsible for adding or removing domains in the AD forest.

• RID Master: responsible for allocating RIDs (Relative Identifiers) to domain controllers.

• PDC Emulator: resp...read more

My current CTC is $80,000 and my expected CTC is $90,000.

• Current CTC: $80,000

• Expected CTC: $90,000

Patching a server involves identifying vulnerabilities, downloading and installing patches, and testing the system.

• Identify vulnerabilities through regular security scans

• Download patches from trusted sources

• Install patches during scheduled maintenance windows

• Test the system after patching to ensure functionality

• Document the patching process for future reference

To resolve problems in tech, one must identify the root cause, research possible solutions, and implement the best solution.

• Identify the root cause of the problem

• Research possible solutions

• Implement the best solution

• Document the solution for future reference

Quick troubleshooting tips for SCCM, AD, and Azure

• Check event logs for errors or warnings

• Verify network connectivity

• Restart services related to the issue

• Check permissions and group memberships

• Review SCCM logs for client issues

• Use Azure Resource Health for Azure service status

• Check AD replication status

DNS translates domain names to IP addresses. DHCP assigns IP addresses to devices on a network.

• DNS stands for Domain Name System

• DNS translates domain names to IP addresses

• DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol

• DHCP assigns IP addresses to devices on a network

• DNS and DHCP are both essential for network communication

AD users and Group policies are essential for managing user access and system configurations in a Windows environment.

• Active Directory (AD) is a centralized database that stores information about users, computers, and other resources in a Windows domain.

• Group policies are a set of rules that can be applied to users or computers to control their behavior and settings.

• AD users can be managed through the Active Directory Users and Computers (ADUC) console, which allows you to cr...read more

MAC OS and Linux are both Unix-based operating systems with similar command-line interfaces.

• Both are open-source and free to use.

• MAC OS is designed for Apple hardware while Linux can run on a variety of hardware.

• Both have a terminal for command-line operations.

• Linux has a wider range of software options available.

• MAC OS has a more user-friendly interface.

• Both have strong security features.

• Linux is more customizable and flexible.

• MAC OS has better compatibility with Apple softw...read more

I will implement backup by setting up regular automated backups of critical data and systems.

• Set up automated backups for critical data and systems

• Utilize backup software to schedule regular backups

• Store backups in secure offsite locations

• Test backups regularly to ensure data integrity and recovery capabilities

ATP stands for Adenosine Triphosphate, which is a molecule that carries energy within cells for metabolism.

• ATP is often referred to as the 'energy currency' of the cell

• It is produced during cellular respiration in the mitochondria

• ATP is used by cells for various functions such as muscle contraction, nerve impulse propagation, and active transport

• When ATP is hydrolyzed to ADP (Adenosine Diphosphate), energy is released for cellular processes

To create an enforced and enabled GPO policy, you can use Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) on a Windows Server.

• Open Group Policy Management Console (GPMC)

• Navigate to the desired domain or organizational unit (OU)

• Right-click on the OU and select 'Create a GPO in this domain, and Link it here'

• Name the GPO and click OK

• Right-click on the newly created GPO and select 'Enforced' to enforce the policy

• Ensure the GPO is linked to the appropriate OU

• Edit the GPO settings to config...read more

Automate failure alerts by setting up monitoring tools, creating alert rules, and integrating with notification systems.

• Set up monitoring tools like Nagios, Zabbix, or Prometheus to monitor system health

• Create alert rules based on predefined thresholds for CPU, memory, disk usage, etc.

• Integrate monitoring tools with notification systems like email, SMS, or Slack for immediate alerts

• Automate remediation actions like restarting services or scaling resources based on alerts

Active Directory is a directory service developed by Microsoft for Windows domain networks.

• It stores information about network resources such as computers, users, and groups.

• It provides authentication and authorization services for Windows-based computers.

• It allows administrators to manage network resources from a central location.

• It uses a hierarchical structure of domains, trees, and forests to organize network resources.

• It supports group policies that can be used to enforc...read more

Intune is a cloud-based service by Microsoft for managing mobile devices and applications.

• Intune allows organizations to manage the devices and applications used by their employees.

• It provides features like device enrollment, app management, and security policies.

• Intune can be used to manage devices running on various platforms such as Windows, iOS, and Android.

Securing a firewall involves configuring access control, implementing intrusion detection systems, and regularly updating security policies.

• Configure access control lists to allow only necessary traffic

• Implement intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious activity

• Regularly update firewall rules and security policies to address new threats

• Enable logging and monitoring to track firewall activity

• Use strong authentication methods for accessing the firewall

• Regularly revi...read more

Charm has three types of changes: Standard, Urgent, and Emergency.

• Standard changes are pre-approved and follow a defined process.

• Urgent changes require immediate attention but still follow a defined process.

• Emergency changes are unplanned and require immediate action to resolve an issue.

• Examples of emergency changes include patching a critical vulnerability or restoring a failed system.

• Examples of standard changes include adding a new user account or updating software version...read more

ITIL is a framework for IT service management that focuses on aligning IT services with the needs of the business.

• ITIL stands for Information Technology Infrastructure Library

• It consists of five core publications: Service Strategy, Service Design, Service Transition, Service Operation, and Continual Service Improvement

• ITIL processes include Incident Management, Problem Management, Change Management, Release Management, and Service Level Management

• ITIL helps organizations to i...read more

Promiscuous mode in VMware allows a virtual machine to receive all network traffic, regardless of the destination MAC address.

• Promiscuous mode is a setting in VMware that allows a virtual machine to see all network traffic on a virtual switch.

• This can be useful for network monitoring, troubleshooting, or security analysis.

• Promiscuous mode should be used with caution as it can potentially expose sensitive information to unauthorized users.

Internet error resolving steps

• Check network cables and connections

• Restart the router or modem

• Clear browser cache and cookies

• Flush DNS cache

• Run network troubleshooter

• Check firewall settings

• Contact ISP for assistance

Switches connect devices within a network, while routers connect different networks together.

• Switches operate at Layer 2 of the OSI model and use MAC addresses to forward data within a network.

• Routers operate at Layer 3 of the OSI model and use IP addresses to route data between different networks.

• Switches are used to create local area networks (LANs) and connect devices like computers, printers, and servers.

• Routers are used to connect multiple LANs together to form a wide ar...read more

Booting process is the sequence of events that occur when a computer is turned on.

• Power on self-test (POST) is performed to check hardware components

• BIOS or UEFI firmware is loaded to initialize hardware

• Boot loader is loaded to start the operating system

• Operating system kernel is loaded into memory

• User login prompt is displayed

Expected salary range for the Senior System Administrator position

• Research industry standards for Senior System Administrator salaries

• Consider your experience, skills, and the company's budget

• Provide a range rather than a specific number