Technical Notes
Desktop Support Engineer
1. What is a Desktop Support Engineer?
Answer:
A Desktop Support Engineer is responsible for installing, configuring, troubleshooting,
and maintaining computer systems, hardware, software, printers, and network-related
issues for end users.
2. What are the responsibilities of a Desktop Support Engineer?
Answer:
• Hardware installation and troubleshooting
• Operating system installation
• Printer configuration
• User support
• Network troubleshooting
• Software installation
• Ticket handling
• Remote desktop support
3. Difference between Hardware and Software?
Answer:
Hardware Software
Physical parts Programs/applications
Keyboard, CPU Windows, MS Office
4. What is BIOS?
Answer:
BIOS (Basic Input Output System) is firmware that initializes hardware during computer
startup.
5. What is POST?
Answer:
POST (Power On Self Test) checks hardware functionality when the system starts.
6. Difference between RAM and ROM?
Answer:
RAM ROM
Temporary memory Permanent memory
Volatile Non-volatile
7. Difference between HDD and SSD?
Answer:
HDD SSD
Mechanical disk Flash storage
Slower Faster
Less expensive More expensive
8. What will you check if system is not powering ON?
Answer:
• Power cable
• SMPS
• Power socket
• Motherboard connection
• RAM seating
9. How do you troubleshoot No Display issue?
Answer:
• Check monitor cable
• Reseat RAM
• Check graphics card
• Test monitor
• Listen for beep sounds
10. Why does computer become slow?
Answer:
• Virus/malware
• Low RAM
• Full hard disk
• Background applications
• Startup programs
11. What is Safe Mode?
Answer:
Safe Mode starts Windows with minimum drivers for troubleshooting.
12. What is Device Manager?
Answer:
Device Manager is a Windows utility used to manage hardware devices and drivers.
13. What is IP Address?
Answer:
An IP Address is a unique address assigned to devices on a network.
Example:
[Link]
14. Difference between Static IP and Dynamic IP?
Answer:
Static IP Dynamic IP
Manual assignment Automatic assignment
Fixed Changes dynamically
15. What is DNS?
Answer:
DNS converts domain names into IP addresses.
Example:
[Link] → IP Address
16. What is DHCP?
Answer:
DHCP automatically assigns IP addresses to devices.
17. Difference between Hub and Switch?
Answer:
Hub Switch
Broadcasts to all devices Sends data to correct device
Slower Faster
18. What is Ping command?
Answer:
Ping checks network connectivity.
Command:
ping [Link]
19. What is ipconfig command?
Answer:
Displays network configuration.
Command:
ipconfig
20. How to release and renew IP?
Answer:
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
21. What is Active Directory?
Answer:
Active Directory is Microsoft service used for user and system management in
organizations.
22. What is Remote Desktop?
Answer:
Remote Desktop allows accessing another computer remotely.
23. How do you install printer?
Answer:
• Connect printer
• Install drivers
• Add printer in settings
• Test print
24. What is Blue Screen Error?
Answer:
BSOD occurs due to hardware failure, driver issue, or OS corruption.
25. What is Ticketing Tool?
Answer:
Used to manage support requests.
Examples:
• ServiceNow
• Remedy
• Jira
26. What is Antivirus?
Answer:
Software that protects system from malware and viruses.
27. What are the common Desktop Support tools?
Answer:
• AnyDesk
• TeamViewer
• Remote Desktop
• ServiceNow
• Command Prompt
28. What is VPN?
Answer:
VPN creates secure connection between user and company network.
29. What is Outlook?
Answer:
Microsoft Outlook is email and calendar application.
30. How do you troubleshoot internet issue?
Answer:
• Check cable/WiFi
• Ping gateway
• Restart router
• Check IP configuration
• Flush DNS
31. What is Disk Cleanup?
Answer:
Utility used to remove temporary files and free storage.
32. Difference between Workgroup and Domain?
Answer:
Workgroup Domain
Small network Centralized management
No server control Server managed
33. What is formatting?
Answer:
Formatting erases data and prepares storage for OS installation.
34. What is bootable USB?
Answer:
USB drive containing operating system installation files.
35. How to create bootable USB?
Answer:
Using tools like:
• Rufus
• Windows Media Creation Tool
36. What is thermal paste?
Answer:
Thermal paste helps transfer heat from CPU to heatsink.
37. What are the qualities of Desktop Support Engineer?
Answer:
• Problem solving
• Patience
• Communication skills
• Technical knowledge
• Time management
38. Why should we hire you?
Answer:
I have strong troubleshooting skills, hardware and networking knowledge, and the ability
to resolve user issues efficiently while maintaining professionalism.
39. HR Questions
Tell me about yourself
Why interested in this field?
Can you work in shifts?
Expected salary?
40. Most Important Practical Topics
• Windows Installation
• Printer Installation
• LAN Cable Crimping
• IP Configuration
• Driver Installation
• Outlook Configuration
• Network Sharing
• Active Directory Basics