■ Concentrix Tech / Ops Round

Complete Study Notes — Easy Language, No Hard Words

1. Hardware Basics
Q: What is RAM?
RAM (Random Access Memory) is the computer's short-term memory. It holds the data the computer is
using RIGHT NOW. More RAM = the computer can do more things at once without slowing down.

Q: What is ROM?
ROM (Read-Only Memory) stores permanent information (like startup instructions). It does NOT get
erased when you turn the computer off.

Q: What is POST?
POST = Power-On Self-Test. Every time you press the power button, the computer quickly checks itself —
RAM, keyboard, CPU — to make sure everything is okay before starting Windows.

Q: What is BIOS / UEFI?

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is like the computer's 'first brain'. It wakes up the hardware and starts
Windows. UEFI is the modern, faster version of BIOS.

Q: What is CMOS?
CMOS is a small chip on the motherboard that remembers BIOS settings. The CMOS Battery (round,
coin-sized — CR2032) powers it so settings are not lost when the PC is off.

5 Internal Hardware Parts:

• CPU (brain of the computer)
• RAM (short-term memory)
• Motherboard (connects everything)
• Hard Disk / SSD (stores all your files)
• Power Supply (gives electricity to parts)

5 External Hardware Parts:

• Monitor
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Printer
• External Hard Drive

2. Storage: SSD vs HDD

Feature SSD (Solid State Drive) HDD (Hard Disk Drive)

Speed Very Fast ■ Slower

Sound Silent Makes noise (spinning)

Durability Shock-resistant Can break if dropped

Price More expensive Cheaper

How it stores Flash memory chips Magnetic spinning disks

Types of Hard Drives:

• HDD — traditional, cheaper, slower
 • SSD — fast, silent, no moving parts
• SSHD (Hybrid) — mix of HDD + SSD
• NVMe (M.2) — fastest type, fits directly on motherboard

3. RAM Types (DDR)

Feature DDR1 DDR2 DDR3 DDR4 DDR5

Speed 266 MHz 533 MHz 1333 MHz 2133+ MHz 4800+ MHz

Voltage 2.5V 1.8V 1.5V 1.2V 1.1V

Pins 184 240 240 288 288

Tip: DDR5 is the latest. Intel 12th Gen and above support DDR5.

4. Networking Basics
Q: What is the basic unit of Ethernet traffic?
A Frame (also called a data packet). It is a small chunk of data sent across a network.

Q: What is an IP Address?
A unique number given to every device on a network so it can be found and talked to. Like a home
address, but for computers. • IPv4: 32-bit, looks like [Link] • IPv6: 128-bit, longer address for the
future

Q: What is DNS?
DNS = Domain Name System. It translates website names (like [Link]) into IP addresses.
Think of it as the internet's phone book.

Q: What is a Default Gateway?

Usually your router. It is the 'door' that connects your local network to the internet.

Q: What is DHCP?
DHCP automatically gives an IP address to your device when you connect to a network. You don't have to
set it manually.

Q: What is SSID?
The name of a Wi-Fi network. When you look for Wi-Fi on your phone, the names you see are SSIDs.

Q: LAN vs WAN?
LAN = Local Area Network (small area, like your office or home). WAN = Wide Area Network (large area,
like the internet connecting cities/countries).

Q: What is a Router?
A device that connects your devices to the internet and sends data between them.

Q: What is Wi-Fi?
Wireless technology that connects devices to the internet using radio signals. Based on IEEE 802.11
standard.

5. Firewall & Antivirus

Q: What is a Firewall?
A firewall is a security guard for your network. It checks all data coming in and going out and blocks
anything that looks dangerous or follows the wrong rules.

Q: What is an Antivirus?
Software that finds, stops, and removes viruses and harmful programs from your computer.

Q: Is having two antivirus programs good?

 NO — Bad idea. Two antiviruses will fight each other, slow down the computer, and actually give you less
protection. Always use just one.

6. Windows OS
Q: Common Windows versions?
Windows 7, 8.1, 10, 11. Latest = Windows 11.

Q: Minimum requirements for Windows 10?

Processor: 1 GHz+ | RAM: 1 GB (32-bit) / 2 GB (64-bit) | Storage: 16 GB (32-bit) / 20 GB (64-bit) | Display:
800x600

Q: Windows 10 Home vs Pro?

Feature Windows 10 Home Windows 10 Pro

BitLocker (encryption) No Yes ■

Remote Desktop No Yes ■

Group Policy No Yes ■

Max RAM 128 GB 2 TB

Price Lower Higher

Q: What is S Mode (Windows 11)?

A safe/locked version of Windows that only allows apps from Microsoft Store. More secure, good for basic
users.

Q: Features of Windows 10?

• Cortana (voice assistant)
• Virtual Desktops
• Windows Hello (fingerprint/face login)
• Microsoft Edge Browser
• Action Center (notifications)

7. Key Windows Tools

■ Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc)
Shows all running programs and how much CPU/RAM they use. You can force-close a frozen program
here.

■ Device Manager
Shows all hardware connected to the computer. A yellow '!' (exclamation mark) means a driver problem —
update or reinstall the driver to fix it.

■ MS Config (msconfig)
Controls what programs start when Windows boots. Tabs: General, Boot, Services, Startup, Tools. Useful
for troubleshooting slow startup.

■ Safe Mode
Starts Windows with only the basics. Good for fixing problems. Safe Mode with Networking = same but
also lets you use the internet.

■ ipconfig (Command Prompt)

Shows your IP address and network info. • ipconfig → see IP address • ipconfig /release → let go of
current IP • ipconfig /renew → get new IP • ipconfig /flushdns → clear DNS cache
8. Cables & Ports
Feature VGA HDMI

Signal type Analog (old) Digital (modern)

Carries Audio? No Yes ■

Picture Quality Lower Higher (HD/4K)

Pins 15-pin 19-pin

Q: What type of optical drive reads DVD and CD but can only write to CD?
A DVD-ROM / CD-RW Combo Drive. It reads both DVD and CD, but can only burn/write data to CDs.

9. Troubleshooting Scenarios
Q: Computer not connecting to internet — what to do?
1. Check if Wi-Fi is turned on (look for the Wi-Fi icon)
2. Restart the router and the computer
3. Check if other devices can connect to the same Wi-Fi
4. Open Command Prompt → type: ping [Link] (if you get a reply, internet works)
5. Check IP settings — try ipconfig /release then ipconfig /renew
6. Update or reinstall network drivers

Q: Computer is running very slowly — what to do?

1. Too many programs opening at startup → use MS Config to turn them off
2. Not enough RAM → upgrade RAM or close unused programs
3. Virus/malware → run antivirus scan
4. Hard drive is old → replace with SSD
5. Run Disk Cleanup to remove junk files

Q: Keyboard not working — steps?

1. Check USB cable / try a different USB port
2. Try a different keyboard
3. Check Device Manager for driver errors
4. Restart the computer
5. If wireless — replace the batteries

Q: Laptop won't start — what to do?

1. Check if the charger is connected and working
2. Look for any LED lights or listen for beep sounds
3. Try a different power outlet
4. If it shows something, try booting in Safe Mode
5. If nothing happens at all — hardware problem, needs escalation

Q: Printer not printing — what to check?

• Power is on
• Paper is loaded
• Ink / toner has enough
• Cable (USB or Wi-Fi) is connected
• Print queue (are there stuck jobs?)
• Driver is installed properly
• Try restarting the printer
10. Microsoft Office
Q: What is MS Office?
A bundle of useful software programs made by Microsoft:
• MS Word — write documents, letters, reports
• MS Excel — spreadsheets, numbers, charts
• MS PowerPoint — slideshows and presentations
• MS Outlook — emails and calendar
• MS Access — database management
• MS OneNote — digital notes

Q: What is MS Word used for?

Creating and editing text documents. Features: spell check, tables, mail merge, page layout, templates,
styles.

11. Dell & Customer Service

Q: What do you know about Dell?
Dell is a global tech company (HQ: Round Rock, Texas, USA) that makes laptops, desktops, servers,
monitors, and networking equipment. They also offer support and IT services.

Q: What kind of support does Dell provide?

Hardware support (warranty, part replacement), software guidance, and remote troubleshooting for
laptops, desktops, and enterprise systems.

Q: What is warranty support?

During the warranty period, Dell will fix or replace faulty hardware at no cost, based on the service
agreement.

Q: How do you handle a customer who doesn't understand tech terms?

Use simple words, no jargon. Go step by step. Confirm after each step. Be patient and friendly.

Q: What if you cannot solve an issue?

Confirm all basic checks are done, document everything, tell the customer clearly that you will escalate,
give a realistic time frame, and keep them updated.

Q: Sell me your phone (HR/Sales question)

Focus on what the phone does FOR the person. Example: 'This phone has a great camera so you'll never
miss a memory, long battery so you stay connected all day, and it's fast so you can work without waiting.
It's built for people like you who are always on the go.'

12. Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Term What it means (simple)

POST Computer's self-check at startup

BIOS / UEFI Starts the computer's hardware

RAM Short-term memory (active data)

ROM Permanent memory (not erased)

CMOS Battery Keeps BIOS settings when PC is off

DNS Translates website names to IP addresses

DHCP Automatically gives IP addresses

Default Gateway The router — your door to the internet

 Firewall Security guard that filters network traffic

SSID Wi-Fi network name

LAN Small local network (home/office)

WAN Big network (internet)

ipconfig Command to see/manage your IP address

Safe Mode Windows with only basic drivers

Device Manager ! Driver problem — update driver

MS Config Control what starts with Windows

Task Manager See/close running programs

DDR5 Latest and fastest RAM type

NVMe Fastest type of storage drive

IPv4 32-bit IP (e.g. [Link])

IPv6 128-bit IP (future standard)

VGA Old video cable (no audio)

HDMI Modern video+audio cable

■ Best of luck for your Concentrix interview! You've got this.