Kickstart Interview
Technical Assessment (70-80%) – areas of coverage include hardware, server & network
concepts. They would test you on your understanding (definition, usage & differences). Below
are potential areas of coverage which serves only as a framework, the interviewer might as
questions beyond this. Do be prepare.
PREPARE FOR INTERVIEW
Ensure you have a Stable Network Connection
Attend the interview at quiet place
Enhance your earphone / MIC / speaker in in good working condition
ON your camera during your interview
HARDWARE & SERVER ADMINISTRATION
Server Components
DNS/DHCP
OS, Server role, installation & Virtualization
Storage RAID & storage technologies
Disaster recovery, including replication and backup
Boot processes
Hardware troubleshooting
Do watch Server Hardware replacement videos on Youtube to help you revise
NETWORKING
LAN/WAN
Switching/routing
IP Address
Port and protocols, and cabling
Type of cables used in Data Centre
DATA CENTRE
Data Centre Cooling
Data Centre power (rPDU, RDU)
2. Leadership principles/ Character Questions (20-30%)
Why do you want to leave your current job
Why are you applying for this position
Tell me about the most challenging task project that you managed, what the project was
and how did you go about it.
🔧 HARDWARE & SERVER ADMINISTRATION
1. What are the main components of a server?
Answer:
A typical server includes the motherboard, CPU(s), RAM, storage drives (HDDs/SSDs), RAID
controller, network interface cards, power supply units, and cooling systems (fans or liquid
cooling). Servers may also include redundant components for fault tolerance.
2. What is the difference between DNS and DHCP?
Answer:
DNS (Domain Name System) translates domain names to IP addresses, helping users connect to
websites using names instead of numbers. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
automatically assigns IP addresses and other network settings to devices on a network.
3. What is RAID, and why is it important?
Answer:
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a storage technology that combines multiple
physical disks into one logical unit to improve performance and provide redundancy. Common
levels include RAID 0 (striping), RAID 1 (mirroring), RAID 5 (parity), and RAID 10 (striped and
mirrored).
4. How would you recover a system after a disaster?
Answer:
Disaster recovery involves restoring systems from backups or using replication technologies. Key
steps include: assessing damage, restoring data from backups, verifying data integrity, and
ensuring systems are functional. Technologies like snapshots, remote replication, and backup
software play a key role.
5. What is the server boot process?
Answer:
The server boot process includes:
1. Power-on Self Test (POST)
2. BIOS/UEFI initialization
3. Bootloader execution (e.g., GRUB)
4. OS kernel loading
5. Starting system services and applications
6. How do you troubleshoot server hardware issues?
Answer:
Start by checking error LEDs or beep codes, review system logs (iDRAC/iLO/IPMI), reseat
components (RAM, drives, cables), test power supply, and swap suspected faulty components.
Use vendor diagnostic tools for deeper checks.
🌐 NETWORKING
1. What’s the difference between LAN and WAN?
Answer:
LAN (Local Area Network) connects devices within a limited area (like a building), while WAN
(Wide Area Network) connects multiple LANs across broader geographic areas, often using
leased telecom lines or the internet.
2. What is the purpose of a switch vs. a router?
Answer:
A switch connects devices within a LAN and operates at Layer 2 (Data Link), using MAC
addresses. A router connects different networks together and operates at Layer 3 (Network),
using IP addresses.
3. Can you explain what an IP address is?
Answer:
An IP address is a unique identifier for a device on a network. IPv4 addresses are 32-bit (e.g.,
192.168.1.1), while IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses. They help in device identification and routing of
network traffic.
4. Name some common ports and protocols.
Answer:
HTTP: Port 80
HTTPS: Port 443
FTP: Port 21
SSH: Port 22
DNS: Port 53
DHCP: Port 67/68
5. What types of cables are used in a data centre?
Answer:
Copper (Cat5e/Cat6/Cat6a) for Ethernet
Fiber optic (Single-mode and Multi-mode) for high-speed, long-distance connections
Power cables (C13, C19, etc.)
Console cables (RJ-45 to DB9)
🧊 DATA CENTRE
1. How is cooling managed in a data centre?
Answer:
Cooling is managed using HVAC systems, CRAC/CRAH units, cold aisle/hot aisle containment,
raised floors, and sometimes liquid cooling for high-density environments. Airflow management
is critical to prevent overheating.
2. What are rPDUs and RDUs in data centres?
Answer:
rPDU (Rack Power Distribution Unit) distributes electrical power to servers in a rack.
They can be monitored remotely.
RDU (Remote Distribution Unit) is less commonly used, but in some contexts, refers to
remote units handling power/control distribution in the DC setup.
Hardware Concepts
🔹 Q: What is the difference between a desktop and a server?
A:
A desktop is designed for personal use with moderate processing power.
A server is built for reliability, scalability, and 24/7 uptime. It supports multiple users and
services like file sharing, web hosting, etc.
Usage: Servers are used in data centres to host applications and store data.
🔹 Q: What is ECC RAM and why is it used in servers?
A:
ECC (Error-Correcting Code) RAM can detect and correct memory errors, preventing data
corruption—important in server environments for reliability.
🔹 Q: What is a RAID controller?
A:
A hardware or software component that manages RAID arrays (Redundant Array of Independent
Disks), enabling redundancy and performance benefits.
🖥 Server Concepts
🔹 Q: What are the common server roles in an enterprise setup?
A:
File Server: Stores and manages files
DNS Server: Resolves hostnames to IP addresses
DHCP Server: Assigns IP addresses to clients
Web Server: Hosts web content (e.g., Apache, IIS)
Database Server: Runs database applications like SQL Server, MySQL
🔹 Q: Difference between physical and virtual server?
A:
Physical server is actual hardware
Virtual server is a software-based server running on a physical server using a hypervisor
(e.g., VMware, Hyper-V)
Usage: Virtual servers allow better resource utilization, flexibility, and easier management.
🌐 Networking Concepts
🔹 Q: What’s the difference between a switch and a hub?
A:
A hub broadcasts data to all devices on a network.
A switch sends data only to the intended recipient using MAC addresses—more efficient
and secure.
🔹 Q: What’s the difference between public IP and private IP?
A:
Public IP: Routable over the internet, assigned by ISPs
Private IP: Used within local networks (e.g., 192.168.x.x) and not directly accessible from
the internet
🔹 Q: Explain TCP vs UDP.
A:
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): Connection-oriented, reliable, error-checked (e.g.,
HTTP, FTP)
UDP (User Datagram Protocol): Connectionless, faster, but no guarantee of delivery
(e.g., DNS, streaming)
🗄 Storage & Virtualization
🔹 Q: What is the difference between RAID 1 and RAID 5?
A:
RAID 1: Mirroring – exact copy of data on two disks, high redundancy, low capacity
efficiency
RAID 5: Striping with parity – requires at least 3 disks, offers fault tolerance with better
storage efficiency
🔹 Q: What is virtualization and why is it useful?
A:
Virtualization allows running multiple virtual machines (VMs) on a single physical server using a
hypervisor. It improves resource use, isolation, and flexibility.
🛠 General Troubleshooting/Knowledge
🔹 Q: If a server is not powering on, what would you check first?
A:
Power supply
Cable connection
Power button
Check PDU or UPS
Error LEDs or beeps
Try reseating RAM or replacing PSU
✅ Tips to Prepare:
Watch server maintenance and hardware replacement videos (Dell, HPE, Lenovo have
great examples).
Review basic Linux/Windows server commands.
Try simple IP addressing exercises and subnetting.
