WINDOWS DESKTOP INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

>How to Enable or Disable the Firewall in Windows XP ?

Enabling the Windows XP firewall

1. Click Start, Settings, Control Panel and open Network Connections.

2. Within the Network Connections window, right-click the Local Area
Connection and select properties.
3. Within the Local Area Connection Properties window, click
the Advanced tab.
4. Finally, check the Protect my computer and network by limiting or
preventing access to this computer from the Internet option.

>Disabling the Windows XP firewall ?

1. Click Start, Settings, ControlPaneland open Network Connections.

2. Within the Network Connections window, right-click the Local Area
Connection and selectProperties.
3. Within the Local Area Connection Properties window, click
the Advanced tab.
4. Finally, uncheck the Protect my computer and network by limiting or
preventing access to this computer from the Internet option.

> How would you Start or Stop a Windows Service ?

Logon to Windows with Administrator rights.

Click Start > Control Panel.
Double-click Administrative Tools.
Double-click the Services icon.
Double-click the service that you want to stop or start.
When the Service Properties window appears, do one of the following:

* If the service is running, click Stop the service.

* If the service is not running, click Start the service.

Click OK.

> How can you check the IP address of your computer ?

IPCONFIG /ALL

> How to access the Windows System Registry ?

Follow the steps to access registry on XP computer.
* Click Start
* Click Run
* Type REGEDIT
* Click OK
* The Registry Editor will now open .

> Where are the Temp files located and how would you remove them ?

There are three different places that you can find temporary files on your
computer. They are located in different place in Windows Vista and Windows Xp.
In Windows Vista there are three file paths below to follow to view the
temporary files.

C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Temp (%temp)

C:\Windows\Temp (temp)

C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files

> Name some difference between Windows XP and Windows Vista.

What are their System Requirements ?

The major Differences between Windows Xp&Vista are :

Windows Vista & Windows XP

1. Bitlocker Option available Windows XP has . No Bitlocker option

- Bitlocker drive encryption, Bitlocker on volume Prevents hard drive from
hackers.

2. Windows Vista has Windows Defender tool Windows XP has No Windows

Defender tool available - prevents from spyware & unwanted S/W installing on
computer.

3. Windows Vista has Parental control Feature Windows XP has No Parental

control Feature - This option enables parents to restrict Children’s which sites,
games .software to use & not .

> What is Safe Mode ?

Safe mode is an alternate boot method for Windows operating systems that
makes it easier to diagnose problems. The only startup programs loaded are the
operating systemand drivers for the mouse, keyboard, and display modes
display. It is often possible to get a system to start in safe mode when it won't
start normally. To start in safe mode, press the F8 key while the system is
booting and select "safe mode" (or the safe mode option you want) from the
menu that appears.

> What is a MODEM ?

A modem is a Modulator and Demodulator. It's like a bridge between computer
and ordinary telephone lines. Telephone lines only accept analog signals but
computers only accept digital (binary) signals so modems help link them.
Routers then emit the digital signal.

a modem is a device that modulates an analog carrier signal to incode digital

information.

Note: There are comments associated with this question. See the discussion
page to add to the conversation.

>What is SMPS ?
Switch Mode Power Supplies are the current state of the art in high efficiency
power supplies. Conventional series-regulated linear power supplies maintain a
constant voltage by varying their resistance to cope with input voltage changes
or load current demand changes. The linear regulator can, therefore, tend to be
very inefficient. The switch mode power supply, however, uses a high frequency
switch (in practice a transistor) with varying duty cycle to maintain the output
voltage. The output voltage variations caused by the switching are filtered out
by an LC filter.

>What is SDRAM ?
Short for Synchronous DRAM, a type of DRAM that can run at much higher
clock speeds than conventional memory. SDRAM actually synchronizes itself
with the CPU's bus and is capable of running at 133 MHz, about three times
faster than conventional FPM RAM, and about twice as fast EDO DRAM and
BEDO DRAM. SDRAM is replacing EDO DRAM in many newer computers.

>What is an Operating System?

An operating system is a program that controls the normal functions of your
computer. There are two mainstream operating systems today - Windows and
MacOS.

There are different versions of both operating systems, and it is important to

determine which one you have before we can assist you.

If you have a Macintosh, go to the Finder (or click on the desktop in OS X).
Select the Apple Menu, and choose About This Macintosh or About This
Computer. The operating system version your computer is running will be
displayed on the window that pops up. Mac OS X versions include 10.0, 10.1,
10.2, 10.3, 10.4 and 10.5.

If you have a PC, chances are you are running some form of Windows. If your
computer starts up with a splash screen that says "Windows Vista" and have a
round Start Button, then you are running Windows Vista. Other versions of
Windows, identified by their splash screens, include Windows 98, Windows NT,
Windows 2000, Windows Me, Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7.

>Name a few ports in your computer ?

USB, IEEE 1394 ps/2 PS/2ethernet port lptivga line in microphone gamejack

>What is Last Known Good Configuration ?

The Last Known Good configuration" is one of the methods which are used to
repair our computer system. In this method a restore of data from the backup is
not required. This "last known good configuration" is a backup replica of the
existing configuration which is stored on the registry key
"HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet". This registry key is always updated
whenever the system is shut down by the user after successfully and effectively
logging on. Our system can be repaired by restoring information from this
updated registry key. For instance in case when we install some driver which
causes our operating system not to be loaded, this type of repair is helpful and
useful.
So it is a very good practice to repair our system without any loss. So whenever
we see our operating systemfails to load, simply press F8 and when the
message "please select the operating system to start" appears, just select the
Last Known Good Configuration. This option can be seen under the "Windows
Advanced Options Menu". The Last Known Good Configuration is only useful in
the case if we have not logged on yet. Whenever we logon and then shut down
or even restart, all of the current configurations always become the "Last
Known Good Configuration".

>What is windows Device Manager ?

Device Manager is an extension of the Microsoft Management Console that
provides a central and organized view of all the Microsoft Windows recognized
hardware installed in a computer.

Device Manager is used to manage the hardware devices installed in a computer

like hard disk drives, keyboards, sound cards, USB devices, and more.

>What is MSConfig ?
msconfig.exe is a file which helps to edit and administer text configuration files
such as win.ini and autoexec.bat.
Msconfig is used to control what programs and services start with your
computer. Its very helpful in troubleshooting startup problems as well as poor
performance and getting rid of spyware and viruses.

>What is the Blue Screen of Death and what could be it'scauses ?

Sometimes bad or flaky memory (RAM memory, not your hard drive) can cause
seemingly random system crashes. If you have just the right combination of
programs open and system memory in use, and your computer tries to access a
"bad spot" on a RAM chip, the results can be unpredictable. Or they can be the
Blue Screen of Death. You can try replacing your RAM sticks one at a time to
see if the problem goes away. This involves opening up the system unit and
looking at scary wires and stuff, so for some people just living with the problem
may be a workable option.

More likely, you have a software problem. Some programs just don't get
along... they trample on each other's memory spaces and confusion (or the
BSOD) results. And it seems that Windows just gets old and cranky the longer
you have it installed. You may solve the problem by using the System File
Checker, or if all else fails, by
re-installing the Windows operating system and/or your software packages. If
the problem seems to be limited to one particular program, try re-installing just
that one first.

Spyware or a computer virus can also make strange things happen.

> What is Cold Boot and Warm Boot ?

A cold boot means turning it on from a powered-down state. A warm boot is
pressing the restart button when the computer is already on.

> What does X mean in the term 16X on the CD/DVD ROM ?
"x" = speed; i.e. 48 speed CD-ROM. Refers to how quickly the drive will read
the disk. same deal for writing to disks. Speed increased incrementally from
single speed (1X) CD-ROM. On a burner, it'll say for example 4X4X8, which
would be 4 speed write, 4 speed rewrite, 8 speed read (I may have write &
rewrite backwards). Those are always max speeds, doesn't necessarily mean
the rated speed is constant.

> What are PCI Slots?

A PCI slot is used to add extension cards to a machine. The PCI world is
somewhat of a mess right now. There are at least TEN different types of PCI
sockets in use!

* Original PCI.
* Wide PCI.
* Fast/wide PCI.
* Fast/wide 3.3-volt PCI.
* PCI-X.
* Narrow PCI-X.
* PCI-Express x1.
* PCI-Express x4.
* PCI-Express x8.
* PCI-Express x16.

Today, mainly the x16 is used for Graphic cards, and PIC is used to connect
network cards.

> What are the types of Printers?

Dot matrix printers, Characters printer, Ink jet printers, Laser printers .

> What is the difference between DDR1, DDR2 and DDR3 memories ?
# DDR stands for Double Data Rate. Like SDRAM, it operates at the rate of the
computer's clock cycle. However, unlike SDRAM, it can transfer data twice per
clock cycle. It does this by using the rising and falling edges of the clock signal,
also known as "double pumping" and employing a prefetch buffer capable of
accessing two datawords at a time. This means that it can store and move a
value in the same amount of time it takes SDRAM to do one or the other,
effectively doubling the memory's speed.

# DDR2 also utilizes the same double pumping technique as DDR. It achieves
performance gains by using a prefetch buffer that retrieves four datawords per
memory access. This allows it to transfer data four times per clock cycle
(compared to twice in the case of DDR). According to Bit-Tech.com, its
improved efficiency allows it to consume less power than DDR.

# Like all other forms of DDR, DDR3 transfers data twice per clock cycle.
However, its prefetch buffer can access eight datawords at a time, according to
Benchmark Reviews. Thus, it can transfer data eight times per clock cycle,
giving it a maximum data transfer rate twice that of DDR2 while using less
power.

> What are the types of Hard-disk drives ?

Disk drive technologies have advanced quickly over recent years, making
terabytes of storage available at reasonable cost. When researching the type of
hard disk storage system appropriate for your needs, keep in mind the format
and data rate of the video you’re capturing. Depending on whether you work as
an independent video editor or collaborate with others, the amount of storage
you require and the bit rate of data transfer will be important factors to match
up with your storage needs. Outlining all of the hard disk storage technologies
is beyond the scope of this documentation, but four common choices include:

* ATA
* FireWire
* SCSI
* RAID and Fibre Channel

> What is Disk Cleanup?

Disk Cleanup is a feature of Windows that enables a user to delete system /
junk files safely.
For example, by using the disk cleanup feature, you can free up a considerable
amount of space on your pc, like getting rid of TIF (Temporary Internet Files)
and other 'useless', and not required, files.

> What is Disk Defragmentation?

Disk defragmentation describes the process of consolidating fragmented files on
your computer's hard disk.

Fragmentation happens to a hard disk over time as you save, change, or delete
files. The changes that you save to a file are often stored at a location on the
hard disk that's different from the original file. Additional changes are saved to
even more locations. Over time, both the file and the hard disk itself become
fragmented, and your computer slows down as it has to look in many different
places to open a file.

Disk Defragmenter is a tool that rearranges the data on your hard disk and
reunites fragmented files so your computer can run more efficiently. In this
version of Windows, Disk Defragmenter runs on a schedule so you don't have to
remember to run it, although you can still run it manually or change the
schedule it uses.

> What would you do if a PC is not turning on ?

First Check the Power cables and power supply.

> What is the latest Operating System ?

Windows 7.

> What is a Heat Sink ?

A component designed to lower the temperature of an electronic device by
dissipating heat into the surrounding air. All modern CPUs require a heat sink.
Some also require a fan. A heat sink without a fan is called a passive heat sink;
a heat sink with a fan is called an active heat sink. Heat sinks are generally
made of an aluminum alloy and often have fins.

> What is the difference between SATA and PATA Hard-Disk Drives?
Serial ATA and Parallel ATA are both specialized interface and data transfer
devices, that are used in computers to connect peripheral storage devices. Both
serve the same purpose of data transfer but differ in their basic technology,
speed of performance and therefore their niche applications these days.

> What would you do if your system is running slow ?

1.Empty Recycle Bin.
2.Empty Windows Temp folder.
3.Run Scandisk.
4.Run Defragmenter.
5.Full System Virus scan.

> What are Plug & Play devices ?

They are peices of computer hardware that already have the software for them
in you system. simply put, you just have to plug it in and you computer does
the rest.

> What are Device Drivers?

Device drivers are small files that act like “liaisons” between hardware in a
computer system and the operating system (OS). Hardware requires device
drivers so that the OS can “see” the devices and handle them effectively and
efficiently.

> Difference between IE6 &IE7 ?

ie 6-security issuse are less
ie 7-security issuse are more.

ie 6-tabbed browsing is not there

ie 7-tabbed browsing is available.

ie 6-no advanced printing.

ie 7- advanced printing.

ie 6-no phishing filter.

ie 7-phishing filter available.

ie 6-no tool bar search box.

ie 7- tool bar search box.

ie 6-no advanced delete history.

ie 7-advanced delete browing history option.

ie 6-no page zoom.

ie 7-page zoom.

ie 6-no add-ons disable mode

ie 7-add-ons disable mode.

> What is the difference between a Serial and a Parallel Port ?

Basically a serial port sends and receives data 1 'bit' at a time over a single
wire, while a parallel port sends the data a 'byte' at a time over several wires
simultaneously.

> Explain the Windows XP Boot Process ?

1.First is the POST, this stands for Power On Self Test, for the computer. This
process tests memory as well as a number of other subsystems. You can usually
monitor this as it runs each test. After that is complete the system will run
POST for any device that has a BIOS (Basic Input-Output System). An AGP has
its own BIOS, as do some network cards and various other devices.

2.Once the POST is complete and the BIOS is sure that everything is working
properly, the BIOS will then attempt to read the MBR (Master Boot Record).
This is the first sector of the first hard drive (called the Master or HD0). When
the MBR takes over it means that Windows is now in control.

3.The MBR looks at the BOOT SECTOR (the first sector of the active partition).
That is where NTLDR is located, NTLDR is the BOOT LOADER for Windows XP.
NTLDR will allow memory addressing, initiate the file system, read the boot.ini
and load the boot menu. NTLDR has to be in the root of the active partition as
do NTDETECT.COM, BOOT.INI, BOOTSECT.DOS (for multi-OS booting) and
NTBOOTDD.SYS (if you have SCSI adapters)

4.Once XP is selected from the Boot Menu, NTLDR will run NTDETECT.COM,
BOOT.INI and BOOTSECT.DOS to get the proper OS selected and loaded. The
system starts in 16-bit real mode and then moves into 32-bit protected mode.

5.NTLDR will then load NTOSKRNL.EXE and HAL.DLL. Effectively, these two files
are windows XP. They must be located in %SystemRoot%System32.

6.NTLDR reads the registry, chooses a hardware profile and authorizes device
drivers, in that exact order.

7.At this point NTOSKRNL.EXE takes over. It starts WINLOGON.EXE that in turn
starts LSASS.EXE, this is the program that display the Logon screen so that you
can logon.

> What do you know about the PING Command ?

Pinging is a command which tells you if the connection between your computer
and a particular domain is working correctly.

Eg : C:\Administrator\>Ping 192.168.1.100 or Ping google.com

> What are the different types of RAMs ?

There are main types of RAM: SDRAM, DDR and Rambus DRAM.
SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM)
Almost all systems used to ship with 3.3 volt, 168-pin SDRAM DIMMs. SDRAM is
not an extension of older EDO DRAM but a new type of DRAM altogether.
SDRAM started out running at 66 MHz, while older fast page mode DRAM and
EDO max out at 50 MHz. SDRAM is able to scale to 133 MHz (PC133) officially,
and unofficially up to 180MHz or higher. As processors get faster, new
generations of memory such as DDR and RDRAM are required to get proper
performance.

> DDR (Double Data Rate SDRAM)

DDR basically doubles the rate of data transfer of standard SDRAM by
transferring data on the up and down tick of a clock cycle. DDR memory
operating at 333MHz actually operates at 166MHz * 2 (aka PC333 / PC2700) or
133MHz*2 (PC266 / PC2100). DDR is a 2.5 volt technology that uses 184 pins
in its DIMMs. It is incompatible with SDRAM physically, but uses a similar
parallel bus, making it easier to implement than RDRAM, which is a different
technology.

> Rambus DRAM (RDRAM)

Despite it's higher price, Intel has given RDRAM it's blessing for the consumer
market, and it will be the sole choice of memory for Intel's Pentium 4. RDRAM is
a serial memory technology that arrived in three flavors, PC600, PC700, and
PC800. PC800 RDRAM has double the maximum throughput of old PC100
SDRAM, but a higher latency. RDRAM designs with multiple channels, such as
those in Pentium 4 motherboards, are currently at the top of the heap in
memory throughput, especially when paired with PC1066 RDRAM memory.

DIMMs vs. RIMMs

DRAM comes in two major form factors: DIMMs and RIMMS.

DIMMs are 64-bit components, but if used in a motherboard with a dual-channel

configuration (like with an NvidianForce chipset) you must pair them to get
maximum performance. So far there aren't many DDR chipset that use dual-
channels. Typically, if you want to add 512 MB of DIMM memory to your
machine, you just pop in a 512 MB DIMM if you've got an available slot. DIMMs
for SDRAM and DDR are different, and not physically compatible. SDRAM DIMMs
have 168-pins and run at 3.3 volts, while DDR DIMMs have 184-pins and run at
2.5 volts.

RIMMs use only a 16-bit interface but run at higher speeds than DDR. To get
maximum performance, Intel RDRAM chipsets require the use of RIMMs in pairs
over a dual-channel 32-bit interface. You have to plan more when upgrading
and purchasing RDRAM.

> What are the important port numbers in Windows ?

HTTP ———- 80

FTP ———— 20,21

TelNet ———- 23

SMTP ———- 25

DNS ———– 53

TFTP ———– 69

SNMP ———- 161

RIP ————- 520

IMAP 4——— 143

IMAP 3 ——— 220

RPC ———— 135

LDAP ———- 389

Net Stat ——– 15

WINS ———- 42

BootP ———- 67

DHCP ———- 68

POP2 ———- 109

POP3 ———- 110

Net BIOS —— 139

SSL(HTTPS) — 443

SQL Server —- 1433

NFS ———— 2049

SSH ———— 22
RAP ———– 38

BGP ———– 179