60+ 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

We use backup servers to ensure data redundancy and minimize downtime. We use various applications depending on the specific needs of the system.

• We use backup servers to store copies of data in case of system failure or data loss.

• The specific application used depends on the needs of the system, such as Veeam, Acronis, or Backup Exec.

• We ensure that backups are performed regularly and that the data is stored securely.

• We also test the backups periodically to ensure that they can...read more

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

I would resolve the issue before continuing with patching.

• Stopping the patching process and resolving the issue would prevent any further complications or errors.

• Continuing with patching could potentially cause more issues or make the existing issue worse.

• Once the issue is resolved, I would then resume the patching process.

• It's important to prioritize resolving the issue before continuing with any other tasks.

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

A server role is a specific function or purpose that a server performs in a network environment.

• Server roles define the tasks and responsibilities of a server.

• They determine the services and features that the server provides.

• Server roles can include roles like file server, web server, database server, domain controller, etc.

• To install a server role, you can use the server manager or PowerShell command-line interface.

• For example, to install the web server role in Windows Serve...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

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

Automating MySQL database backups using shell scripts ensures data safety and recovery efficiency.

• Use the `mysqldump` command to create a backup: `mysqldump -u username -p database_name > backup.sql`.

• Schedule the backup using `cron` by editing the crontab with `crontab -e`.

• Add a line like `0 2 * * * /path/to/backup_script.sh` to run the script daily at 2 AM.

• Ensure the backup script has executable permissions: `chmod +x /path/to/backup_script.sh`.

• Consider compressing the backu...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

Installing Windows 7 and 10 via USB and SCCM involves creating bootable media and configuring network deployment.

• Create a bootable USB drive using tools like Rufus or Windows Media Creation Tool.

• For USB installation, format the drive to FAT32 and use the Windows ISO to copy files.

• SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager) allows network-based installations by deploying images over the network.

• In SCCM, create a task sequence for OS deployment and configure the distribution poi...read more

I handled a critical server outage incident affecting production services.

• Identified root cause of server outage as hardware failure

• Coordinated with vendors for replacement parts and emergency maintenance

• Implemented failover procedures to minimize impact on production services

Configuring and managing Citrix Netscaler involves setting up virtual servers, load balancing, SSL offloading, and monitoring.

• Configure virtual servers to route traffic to backend servers

• Set up load balancing for distributing traffic efficiently

• Implement SSL offloading to offload SSL processing from backend servers

• Monitor performance and troubleshoot issues as needed

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

Workplace safety and security measures ensure a secure environment for employees and protect company assets.

• Regular safety training sessions for employees to handle emergencies, such as fire drills.

• Implementation of access control systems, like key cards, to restrict entry to sensitive areas.

• Installation of surveillance cameras to monitor premises and deter unauthorized access.

• Routine maintenance of fire alarms and extinguishers to ensure they are functional.

• Cybersecurity pro...read more

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 handled multiple Citrix implementations in various organizations.

• Implemented Citrix XenApp and XenDesktop for virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)

• Managed Citrix NetScaler for load balancing and secure remote access

• Configured Citrix Provisioning Services for image management

• Troubleshooted Citrix Receiver and StoreFront for application delivery

• Upgraded Citrix environments to newer versions for improved performance

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

Citrix components include XenApp, XenDesktop, NetScaler, and ShareFile for virtualization, networking, and file sharing.

• XenApp: Application virtualization platform for delivering Windows applications to users.

• XenDesktop: Desktop virtualization platform for delivering virtual desktops to users.

• NetScaler: Networking platform for load balancing, security, and optimization of applications.

• ShareFile: File sharing and synchronization platform for securely accessing and sharing file...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

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 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