basic computer/ devops….

Here are some basic computer interview questions along with their answers:

1. What is a Computer?
Answer: A computer is an electronic device that processes data and
performs tasks according to a set of instructions called a program. It can
perform a wide range of tasks, including calculations, data processing, and
communication.

2. What are the main components of a computer?

Answer: The main components of a computer are:

Central Processing Unit (CPU): The brain of the computer that

performs most of the processing.

Memory (RAM): Temporary storage that the CPU uses to store data
that is being processed.

Storage (Hard Drive/SSD): Permanent storage for data and programs.

Motherboard: The main circuit board that connects all the components.

Input Devices: Such as a keyboard and mouse, used to input data.

Output Devices: Such as a monitor and printer, used to output data.

3. What is an Operating System (OS)?

Answer: An operating system is software that manages hardware and
software resources and provides common services for computer programs.
Examples include Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.

4. What is the difference between RAM and ROM?

Answer:

RAM (Random Access Memory): Volatile memory that stores data

temporarily while the computer is running. It loses its data when the
computer is turned off.

ROM (Read-Only Memory): Non-volatile memory that stores data

permanently, even when the computer is turned off. It typically contains

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 firmware or BIOS.

5. What is a CPU?
Answer: The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is the primary component of
a computer that performs most of the processing inside the computer. It
executes instructions from programs and performs calculations.

6. What is the difference between hardware and software?

Answer:

Hardware: The physical components of a computer, such as the CPU,

motherboard, RAM, and hard drive.

Software: The programs and operating systems that run on the

hardware, such as Microsoft Word, Windows, or a web browser.

8. What is a browser?
Answer: A browser is a software application used to access and view
websites on the internet. Examples include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox,
and Microsoft Edge.

9. What is the difference between a virus and malware?

Answer:

Virus: A type of malware that attaches itself to a program or file and

spreads to other files or systems, often causing damage.

Malware: A broader term that includes any malicious software designed

to harm or exploit any computing device or network. This includes
viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware.

10. What is cloud computing?

Answer: Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services—including
servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and more—over the
internet ("the cloud"). It allows for on-demand access to resources and
scalability.

11. What is an IP address?

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 Answer: An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique identifier assigned to
each device connected to a network that uses the Internet Protocol for
communication. It allows devices to communicate with each other over a
network.

12. What is a firewall?

Answer: A firewall is a network security device or software that monitors
and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on
predetermined security rules. It acts as a barrier between a trusted internal
network and untrusted external networks, such as the internet.

13. What is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?

Answer:

HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol): A protocol used for transferring

web pages over the internet. It is not secure.

HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure): A secure version of

HTTP that uses encryption (SSL/TLS) to protect data transmitted
between the browser and the server.

14. What is a database?

Answer: A database is an organized collection of data stored and accessed
electronically. It allows for efficient data management, retrieval, and
manipulation. Examples include MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB.

15. What is the difference between a compiler and an

interpreter?
Answer:

Compiler: A compiler translates the entire source code of a program

into machine code before execution. The resulting executable file can
be run independently.

Interpreter: An interpreter translates and executes the source code line

by line, without producing a separate executable file.

17. What is an algorithm?

Answer: An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure or set of rules for
solving a problem or performing a task. It is often expressed in pseudocode

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 or a programming language.

18. What is the difference between a LAN and a WAN?

Answer:

LAN (Local Area Network): A network that covers a small geographic

area, such as a home, office, or building.

WAN (Wide Area Network): A network that covers a large geographic

area, such as a city, country, or the entire world. The internet is the
largest WAN.

19. What is a router?

Answer: A router is a networking device that forwards data packets
between computer networks. It connects multiple devices to the internet
and directs traffic between them.

20. What is the difference between a 32-bit and 64-bit

system?
Answer:

32-bit system: Can handle data in 32-bit chunks and supports up to 4

GB of RAM.

64-bit system: Can handle data in 64-bit chunks and supports much
larger amounts of RAM (theoretically up to 16 exabytes, though practical
limits are much lower).

These questions and answers cover fundamental concepts that are often
discussed in basic computer interviews. Depending on the specific role, you
may also encounter more advanced or specialized questions.

What is a Network?
A network is a collection of interconnected devices (such as computers,
servers, printers, and other hardware) that communicate with each other to
share resources, data, and services. Networks can be as small as two devices
connected in a home or as large as the internet, which connects millions of
devices globally.

Networks are essential for communication, data sharing, and resource sharing
in modern computing environments.

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 Switches
Definition: A networking device that connects multiple devices within a
Local Area Network (LAN).

Function: It forwards data packets between devices on the same network

based on MAC addresses.

Routers
Definition: A device that connects multiple networks (e.g., a home network
to the internet).

Function: It routes data packets between networks based on IP addresses.

Key Feature: Operates at the Network Layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model.

Example: Home routers connect your LAN to the internet.

Protocols
Definition: A set of rules and standards that govern how devices
communicate on a network.

Examples:

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol): The

foundation of the internet.

HTTP/HTTPS: Used for web browsing.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol): Used for file transfers.

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol): Used for sending emails.

1️⃣ Transmission Medium (How Data Travels in a Network)

A transmission medium is the physical or wireless path used to transmit
data between devices in a network.

Types of Transmission Mediums

Type Description Examples

Uses cables to transmit data Ethernet, Fiber Optic,

Guided (Wired)
(physical connection). Coaxial

Unguided Uses air or electromagnetic waves Wi-Fi, Bluetooth,

(Wireless) (no physical connection). Satellite, Infrared

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 2️⃣ Transmission Modes (How Data is Transmitted)
Transmission mode defines how data flows between devices.

Mode Description Example

TV Broadcast, Radio,
Simplex Data flows in one direction only.
Keyboard to Computer

Data flows in both directions,

Half-Duplex Walkie-Talkie, CB Radio
but one at a time.

Data flows in both directions Telephone Call, Wi-Fi,

Full-Duplex
simultaneously. Ethernet

Types of Networks in Computer Networking

Networks are categorized based on their size, coverage, and purpose. Here’s
a breakdown of the different types of networks:

1️⃣ Personal Area Network (PAN)

Size: Very small (a few meters).

Purpose: Connects personal devices like smartphones, laptops, and

smartwatches.

Example: Bluetooth, Infrared connections, Apple AirDrop.

📌 Use Case: Wireless headphones connecting to a phone via Bluetooth.

2️⃣ Local Area Network (LAN)
Size: Covers a small area (office, home, school).

Purpose: Connects multiple devices using Ethernet cables or Wi-Fi.

Example: Home Wi-Fi, Office LAN, School Network.

📌 Use Case: Computers and printers connected in an office via Ethernet or

Wi-Fi.
🔹 Types of LAN:
Wired LAN (Ethernet cables)

Wireless LAN (WLAN) → Uses Wi-Fi instead of cables.

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 3️⃣ Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Size: Covers a city or large campus.

Purpose: Connects multiple LANs across a city or metro area.

Example: City-wide Wi-Fi, University Campus Network.

📌 Use Case: Government provides free city-wide Wi-Fi.

4️⃣ Wide Area Network (WAN)
Size: Covers a large geographic area (country or globe).

Purpose: Connects multiple LANs and MANs over long distances.

Example: The Internet, Bank networks, Multinational company networks.

📌 Use Case: A multinational company connects its offices in different

countries.
🔹 Types of WAN:
Private WAN (VPNs for secure business connections).

Public WAN (The Internet).

5️⃣ Storage Area Network (SAN)

Size: Data Center-level.

Purpose: Provides high-speed storage access instead of general

communication.

Example: Cloud data centers, Enterprise storage networks.

📌 Use Case: AWS uses SANs for cloud storage (Amazon S3, EBS).
6️⃣ Campus Area Network (CAN)
Size: Covers a university, school, or corporate campus.

Purpose: Connects LANs across buildings in an educational or business

campus.

Example: University network, Corporate office network.

📌 Use Case: A university network that provides Wi-Fi across the campus.

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 7️⃣ Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Size: Internet-based secure network.

Purpose: Provides encrypted communication over the internet.

Example: NordVPN, Cisco VPN, OpenVPN.

📌 Use Case: A remote worker securely connects to a company’s network from

home.

🖥️ Comparison of Networks
Network Type Coverage Example Use

PAN A few meters Bluetooth, Smartwatch

LAN Small area (room, office) Home Wi-Fi, Office Network

MAN City or large campus Public Wi-Fi, Metro networks

WAN Country or worldwide The Internet, Corporate WAN

SAN Data Center Cloud Storage, Enterprise Storage

CAN Multiple buildings University, Business Campus

VPN Secure remote access Encrypted corporate connections

Network Topologies (Structures of a Network)

A network topology defines how computers, devices, and network
components are physically or logically arranged in a network. The choice of
topology affects performance, reliability, and scalability.

🔹 Types of Network Topologies

Topology Structure Advantages Disadvantages

If backbone fails,
1. Bus 🚌 Devices share a single
cable (backbone).
Simple, low cost,
easy to install.
entire network goes
down.

Easy to
2. Star⭐ Devices connect to a
central hub/switch.
troubleshoot,
Hub failure = entire
network fails.
scalable.

3. Ring 🔄 Devices form a closed Predictable One failure can

loop, passing data in performance, no disrupt entire

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 one direction. collisions. network.

4. Mesh 🕸️ Every device connects

to every other device.
Highly reliable,
fault-tolerant.
Expensive, complex
setup.

Hybrid of Bus & Star, Backbone failure

5. Tree 🌳 connects multiple stars
Scalable, organized
structure.
affects entire
to a backbone. network.

6. Hybrid 🔄 Combination of two or

more topologies.
Optimized for
needs, scalable.
Expensive, complex
design.

1️⃣ Bus Topology 🚌

Structure: All devices are connected to a single central cable (backbone).

Example: Used in early Ethernet networks.

📌 Use Case: Small office networks, legacy networks.

🚀 Why Use It?
✅ Cheap and simple.
❌ If backbone fails, entire network fails.
2️⃣ Star Topology ⭐
Structure: All devices connect to a central hub or switch.

Example: Most modern Ethernet networks (LAN, Wi-Fi).

📌 Use Case: Home and office networks.

🚀 Why Use It?
✅ Reliable (if one device fails, the rest still work).
❌ Hub/Switch failure shuts down the network.
3️⃣ Ring Topology 🔄
Structure: Devices form a closed loop, and data flows in one direction.

Example: Used in Token Ring networks (rare today).

📌 Use Case: Older fiber-optic networks, some metro-area networks.

🚀 Why Use It?

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 ✅ No data collisions.
❌ One failed device can break the entire network.
4️⃣ Mesh Topology 🕸️
Structure: Every device connects directly to every other device.

Example: Military networks, IoT, blockchain networks.

📌 Use Case: Critical infrastructure, disaster recovery.

🚀 Why Use It?
✅ Extremely reliable (one failure doesn’t affect the network).
❌ Expensive and complex (requires many connections).
5️⃣ Tree Topology 🌳
Structure: A combination of Star and Bus topologies.

Example: Enterprise networks, large data centers.

📌 Use Case: Hierarchical networks in universities and businesses.

🚀 Why Use It?
✅ Scalable and easy to manage.
❌ If the backbone fails, the entire network is affected.
6️⃣ Hybrid Topology 🔄
Structure: Combination of two or more topologies.

Example: AWS Cloud Data Centers, Large Corporations.

📌 Use Case: Enterprise environments, cloud networks, ISPs.

🚀 Why Use It?
✅ Custom-built for performance & scalability.
❌ Expensive and complex to manage.
🔥 Choosing the Right Topology for Your Network
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 Network Size Best Topology

Small home/office (LAN) Star⭐

Medium business (Campus) Tree 🌳

Large enterprise (WAN/Cloud) Hybrid 🔄

Military/Blockchain (IoT, Critical Systems) Mesh 🕸️

MAC Address vs. IP Address: Key Differences

Both MAC (Media Access Control) Address and IP (Internet Protocol) Address
are used for network communication, but they serve different purposes.

Feature MAC Address 🏷️ IP Address 🌎

A unique identifier assigned
A logical address assigned to a
Definition to a device's network
device for network communication.
interface (NIC).

Identifies a device in a Identifies the device’s location in a

Purpose
network. network.

IPv4: 192.168.1.1 (numeric, 4 octets)

12-digit hexadecimal (e.g.,
Format IPv6: 2001:db8::ff00:42:8329
00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E ).
(alphanumeric, 8 groups).

Permanent (burned into Temporary & changeable (assigned

Permanence
hardware). by DHCP, ISP, or manually).

Works within a local network Works across multiple networks

Scope
(LAN/Wi-Fi). (WAN/Internet).

Who Assigns Manufacturer of the network

Network admin, ISP, or DHCP server.
It? card (NIC).

Used in Ethernet, Wi-Fi

Used for sending data over the
Example Usage communication (e.g., router
internet (routing packets).
filtering).

📌 Real-World Analogy
MAC Address = Your home’s physical address (Fixed & Unique 🏡).
IP Address = Your mailing address (Can change, based on network 🌍).
📡 How They Work Together in Networking
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 1. MAC Address is used within a Local Network (LAN).

When you connect to Wi-Fi, your router identifies your device using its
MAC Address.

2. IP Address is used to communicate over the Internet.

When you visit a website, your device's IP address is used to

send/receive data packets.

📌 Example:
Your laptop’s MAC Address ( 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E ) stays the same, but its IP
Address ( 192.168.1.100 ) may change if you switch Wi-Fi networks.

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