Frequently Asked Unix System Administrator Interview Questions

A UNIX system administrator is a person who manages the multi-user computer system in an organization. He or she supports, monitors, tests and troubleshoots hardware and software problems. They also install new software releases, upgrade the system, perform procedures to prevent the spread of viruses, evaluate and install patches and resolve software related problems.

An interview is a recruitment process in which an interviewer asks questions related to the job from an interviewee. It is a two way communication process. Given below are some common interview questions that come up again and again during interviews for this post.

1. What do you understand by semaphore?
A semaphore is a kind of inter process communication resource which is used for synchronization and mutual exclusion between any two asynchronous processes.

2. How will you define a COM?
COM is the short form for Component Object Model. It is a Microsoft platform for software components which is used to enable cross-application communication and dynamic object creation in any programming language that supports the technology. COM is often used in the software development world as an umbrella term that encompasses the OLE, ActiveX, COM+ and DCOM technologies.

3. What do you mean by UNIX?
UNIX developed by Ken Thompson and Dennis Ritchie in 1969 by a group of AT&T employees at Bell Labs. It runs on a range of computers from microprocessors to the largest mainframes.

4. Define some of the functions of a kernel?
The kernel is a part of the Operating System that interacts directly with the hardware of computer, through device drivers that are built into the kernel. It provides set of services that can be used by programs, insulating these programs from the underlying hardware. A kernel is responsible for managing computer memory, allocating resource of the computer, controlling access to the computer, maintaining file system and handling interrupts and errors.

5. What skills will you bring to our organization?
Well, I am familiar with Sun, Solaris and Cisco Hardware, TCP/IP, Jumpstart, VERITAS Volume Manager, C-shell, Perl Oracle 8i, My SQL, Solaris Production, Apache, Sun Server, UNIX and Linux.

6. What occupation specific tasks have you undertaken in your previous organization?
In my previous organization I used to monitor and tune system, develop and maintain the documents, library and procedural documents and install and configure the modem, routers, hubs and LAN terminal servers.

These are some of the important interview questions that are frequently asked. Do not forget to say “thank you” to the person or people who interviewed you.

Where Can You get Unix Download?

Debian Linux – is a free OS for computers. An OS is the set of fundamental utilities and programs, which make your PC run. Debian utilizes the Linux kernel, however, most of the basic Operating System tools come from GNU project; thus the name GNU/Linux.

This software offers more than a pure Operating System: The set contains 8710 packages that are pre-compiled program bundled up in a nice format for easy and fast installation on your device.

Ubuntu Linux – is a community developed OS, which is perfect for desktops, laptops, and servers. Whether you utilize it at school, at home, or at work, Ubuntu includes all the programs you will need, from email applications and word processing, to web server program and programming tools. Open BSD Unix – it produces a free and multi platform 4.4 BSD-based UNIX-like OS. Their efforts highlight standardization, correctness, portability, integrated cryptography and proactive security. Open BSD is compatible with binary emulation of most programs from Free BSD, SVR4 (Solaris), Linux, BSD/OS, HP-UX and Sun OS.

By using this, Red Hat hopes to offer an OS that utilizes free software development practices and is much more attractive to the people.

Fedora Linux – it works with Linux community in order to build a complete, common purpose OS absolutely from free software. The development would be done in public forums. The project offers time-based releases of Fedora Core approximately 2 to 3 times in a year with public schedule release. Gentoo Linux – is a free OS based on Linux or Free BSD that could be customized and optimized automatically for just about any application. Intense performance, configurability, and top notch developer and user community are hallmarks of the Gentoo software. Slack ware Linux is a complete 32bit multi-tasking “UNIX-like” system. Slack ware have an easy to install program, a menu-driven package, and general online documentation. Slack ware Linux is a complete 32bit multi-tasking “UNIX-like” system. Slack ware have an easy to install program, a menu-driven package, and general online documentation. Mandriva Linux – makes our system as cutting-edge, user-friendly, and intelligent as possible. Mandriva determines that majority of users like a system that just works and doesn’t need hours of fine-tuning. Free BSD Unix – is an advanced OS for amd64 compatible (such as Athlon 64, EM64T,and Opteron), x86 compatible (such as Athlon and Pentium), Alpha/AXP, PC-98, IA – 64, and Ultra SPARC architectures.

UNIX Hosting 101

UNIX hosting involves a machine configured on a UNIX platform which is a multi-user computer operating system designed primarily for servers and advanced users. UNIX provides the base operating system architecture for many open source companies, such as Solaris (Sun Microsystems), Linux (GNU), and others. In regards to web hosting, choosing the UNIX web hosting alternative has its advantages and disadvantages.

UNIX has been around for years and it was the language of choice for midframe computer users. Windows actually copied the UNIX file naming convention technique when they created Microsoft Windows.

UNIX hosting is cheaper than Windows hosting. Because most web hosts use the free version of UNIX (like Linux), they don’t have to compensate for huge overhead expenses which you have with any Windows Operating System. Savings is passed to customers. In addition, those who use UNIX hosting usually get free tools and applications that have been written primarily for the UNIX community. Since UNIX hosting is an “open system”, its source code is publicly available for free from various web sites.

This allows web developers working for various companies and for different purposes to add rapid development of applications quickly. As a result, improvements come fast and problems are quickly resolved.

The main disadvantage of using UNIX hosting is that your provider may only allow access to your account via Telnet or SSH. As are result, you must have a strong working knowledge of UNIX commands in order to customize to your requirements. You may find yourself spending a lot of time learning the basics before you can enjoy the free advantages of UNIX hosting but learning the UNIX language is not that hard at all.

When considering the UNIX operating system and UNIX hosting, you need to consider your own technical abilities. Then take a look at the special features offered by each system and hosting company in light of the available technology and — sometimes more importantly — your budget.

Differences Between Unix and Windows Web Hosting

When you are trying to decide what web hosting company to go with you may see that one of the hosting companies is offering Unix web hosting and another is offering Windows web hosting. There will even be times when you can choose one or the other from the same web hosting company. So what are the differences between Unix and Windows and which should you be using?

First of all it is important to note that it does not matter which type of web hosting you decide to go with when creating your site as the actual code used to create your website is essentially the same. The differences between Unix and Windows are actually differences that are more behind closed doors if you will. Here are some major differences between the two:

•Software: This is the biggest difference between the two. Because Windows is a Microsoft product it will stand to reason that the Windows web hosting will run Microsoft software such as VBScript scripting languages and Microsoft Access databases. Unix on the other hand will not be compatible with these types of software. If your website will require specific Widows or Microsoft applications it will better for you to go with a Windows web hosting service.

•Reliability: While both Unix and Windows web hosting are indeed very reliable, Unix does hold the slight advantage in this category and tends to spend less time ‘down’.

•Cost: A Unix web host will use any of a number of ‘flavors’ of Unix like Linux or FreeBSD. These operating systems are free and help to keep costs down. Windows on the other hand sees their server software cost thousands of dollars and this can mean more money out of your pocket as well.

•Bug fixes: Because Unix is run on free servers that mean that anyone has access to the full source code. While that may not sound like a good thing, when it comes to getting a bug fixed it is indeed a good thing as many individuals spend a good deal of time writing new code for Unix to help make it better and fix bugs. Windows though is again owned by Microsoft and because of that only Microsoft people have access to the source code which leads you to rely solely on Microsoft to fix any problems that arise.

So which one is right for you?

Before you make your final decision on whether to go with Unix web hosting or Windows web hosting you first have to figure out what features you will be running on your website. If you are going to use a bunch of Microsoft applications and software then you will of course need to go with a Windows web hosting service. But if your website will not be utilizing those types of programs then going with a Unix web host is going to leave you with more options and more than likely a better price as well. So the correct answer to the questions it, it is all up to you and your website’s needs.

What is UNIX web hosting?

UNIX hosting involves a machine configured on a UNIX platform which is a multi-user computer operating system designed primarily for servers and advanced users. UNIX provides the base operating system architecture for many open source companies, such as Solaris (Sun Microsystems), Linux (GNU), and others. In regards to web hosting, choosing the UNIX web hosting alternative has its advantages and disadvantages.

UNIX has been around for years and it was the language of choice for midframe computer users. Windows actually copied the UNIX file naming convention technique when they created Microsoft Windows.

UNIX hosting is cheaper than Windows hosting. Because most web hosts use the free version of UNIX (like Linux), they don’t have to compensate for huge overhead expenses which you have with any Windows Operating System. Savings is passed to customers. In addition, those who use UNIX hosting usually get free tools and applications that have been written primarily for the UNIX community. Since UNIX hosting is an “open system”, its source code is publicly available for free from various web sites.

Unix web hosting is more secure that Windows hosting.  Have you ever heard of a Unix or indeed Linux based computer been subject to virus attacks? Probably not and even if you have the instances are probably far fewer than with Windows. Unix are less prone to viruses and attacks because the protocols they are  more secure so when choosing a webhosting provider, ensure the servers they are using are Unix based.

This allows web developers working for various companies and for different purposes to add rapid development of applications quickly. As a result, improvements come fast and problems are quickly resolved.

Now when considering the UNIX operating system and UNIX hosting, you need to consider your own technical abilities. Then take a look at the special features offered by each system and hosting company in light of the available technology and — sometimes more importantly — your budget. Hostgator appear to be the best for new starters as they have a host of features but the host you eventually choose will be the one suited to YOUR needs.

Choosing a Web Hosting Package – Unix Based or Windows?

 

Do you want a Windows or a Unix Based Web Host?

 

The fact that you are reading this article indicates that you have been looking for a Web Host, and will therefore have noticed by now that most web hosting companies off you either Unix (or Linux) Hosting, Windows Hosting or both – to some this is an unexpected decision to have to make, many unless they own a Mac will be largely unaware of the capabilities of any other platform than Windows. So what are the differences between the two systems and what are the advantages of each?

The first point to note is that you do not need Windows Hosting just because you have a Windows based PC, nor do you need Unix if you own a Mac, the HTML code or Java Script you upload onto the server is universal as is the server’s output of that code, so your website will look the same on either. The difference lies in the software which is used to output that website.

 

Unix Hosting uses a Unix based operating system which was developed primarily for use on severs, Unix Hosting is generally cheaper than Windows because most web hosts use Linux – a Free Open Source version of Unix (which is used in some supercomputers) and consequently do not have to shell out thousands of pounds in licensing and support to Microsoft, a saving which is passed on to you the user. Another advantage of using free open source software is that anyone can make changes and improvements to the source code, and in doing so add functionality and updates without contravening any license, this factor has lead to Unix based systems naturally evolving over the years to become relatively bug-free. As a result Unix based operating systems are renowned for their inherent stability and their ability to  run for years before a reboot is required, thus requiring less attention from technicians and reducing costs – an attractive feature for a server.

 

Windows Hosting as the name suggests uses MS Windows as an operating system and although more expensive and slightly less stable does have some benefits over it’s Unix based conterpart. Primarily this has to do with what you want to host; if you want to use an MS Access database or upload MediaPlayer files such as music or Videos you will require Windows Hosting, (N.B. MP3, Quicktime, Shockwave, Flash and Real can be handled by either system).

 

Making the decision as to which is best thus comes down to what you want to do with your web space. Both Systems can host Multimedia both can host dynamic content and with PHP, MySQL and CGI, but the question becomes you need to run Windows based applications on your server? If so then you have no choice but to use a Windows Hosting solution, if the answer is no then can make your decision based on other factors such as choice of host, cost and reliability.

 

For Further information on choosing a web host visit, WhichDomainHost 

 

Should you Choose Windows Web Hosting or UNIX?

Should you opt for Windows web hosting or choose a host that uses one of the many varieties of UNIX operating systems? You can decide by evaluating the differences and similarities between these two web hosting options.

Microsoft developed Windows Server, while UNIX was developed as an “open system.” The UNIX source code is publicly available and free for anyone who wants to use it. Some view UNIX’s open source origins and status as an advantage. It’s free, while Microsoft Windows Server involves a purchase. Thousands of individuals have contributed to the development of UNIX, and it is more frequently updated than Windows Server. On the other hand, UNIX is more complex as a result of being open source.

Windows web hosting supports nearly all Microsoft products. This includes Microsoft FrontPage, Visual Interdev and Microsoft Access. Windows Server also supports Active Server Pages (ASP). This is a popular scripting language that allows you to build dynamic, database-driven web pages.

If you’re planning to build your website yourself, it’s worth considering that most CGI programs (including many free Perl scripts) available online today were developed on UNIX. This means they usually install and operate better under UNIX.

In terms of reliability and security, there are many arguments between Windows web hosting and UNIX supporters. Some claim UNIX operating systems are more stable and faster. Windows is sometimes seen as more insecure due to the fact that it is such a widely used PC operating system. This gives people more time to explore and exploit its flaws. On the other hand, UNIX platforms are the most widely used server types, and it too has been hacked successfully over the years.

In terms of performance there’s not a huge difference between the two server options today. Consider that developers are always working to improve both Windows Server and UNIX. Neither is likely to far out-pace the other in terms of reliability, security or features in the near future. 

These are just a few of the differences and similarities between UNIX and Windows web hosting you may want to consider when deciding between the two operating systems. In many cases, the choice about which operating system a web server is using isn’t really important. It’s mainly consequential only if you require specific features offered only by one or the other, or if you plan to use specific technology that will function better or more appropriately on either UNIX or Windows Server.

Unix Hosting Involves a Machine Configured on a Unix Platform

UNIX hosting involves a machine configured on a UNIX platform which is a multi-user computer operating system designed primarily for servers and advanced users. UNIX provides the base operating system architecture for many open source companies, such as Solaris (Sun Microsystems), Linux (GNU), and others. In regards to web hosting, choosing the UNIX web hosting alternative has its advantages and disadvantages.

UNIX has been around for years and it was the language of choice for midframe computer users. Windows actually copied the UNIX file naming convention technique when they created Microsoft Windows.

UNIX hosting is cheaper than Windows hosting. Because most web hosts use the free version of UNIX (like Linux), they don’t have to compensate for huge overhead expenses which you have with any Windows Operating System. Savings is passed to customers. In addition, those who use UNIX hosting usually get free tools and applications that have been written primarily for the UNIX community. Since UNIX hosting is an “open system”, its source code is publicly available for free from various web sites.

This allows web developers working for various companies and for different purposes to add rapid development of applications quickly. As a result, improvements come fast and problems are quickly resolved.

The main disadvantage of using UNIX hosting is that your provider may only allow access to your account via Telnet or SSH. As are result, you must have a strong working knowledge of UNIX commands in order to customize to your requirements. You may find yourself spending a lot of time learning the basics before you can enjoy the free advantages of UNIX hosting but learning the UNIX language is not that hard at all.

When considering the UNIX operating system and UNIX hosting, you need to consider your own technical abilities. Then take a look at the special features offered by each system and hosting company in light of the available technology and — sometimes more importantly — your budget.

Deon Melchior is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit ArticleClick.com. Article Click is a free content article directory. You may reprint this article, as long as the article is unedited and this author box is included with it’s live hyperlinks.

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Between Windows And Unix Interlacing Hosting?

Windows and UNIX are in celebration two divergent systems and of roaming we are referring to computer systems. A web lessor uses computers, (we shall mention to them as servers, good computers, but sometimes larger) to owner websites, and all computers voracity a operating system, thus Windows and UNIX are the operating system.

The Windows used is normally Windows NT or 2000 and of tramp as you prize Microsoft charges for it’s software, tide UNIX is an go ahead prelude operating system, this factor that the hep creators of the practice have habituated advancing the rights and anyone can use it, change, improve or do anything they want with, free of charge.

From this we instant have to wanted differences, Window hosts are additional treasured and UNIX is further reliable, owing to it as been better by thousands of unascertained people. Most mediocre you are enumeration this in pretentiousness of your computer which much usual is operates on a Windows XP, have you noticed that it sometimes, it freezes, and the lone guess is to restart it? UNIX is famously further stable, robust, time-tested, handy platform for a web server.

But Windows servers have also it’s stupendous sides, they are consistent with Microsoft applications, and really aid Microsoft FrontPage, Microsoft Access and MS SQL, they also instance advance-programming environments and mood congenerous as Active Server Pages (ASP), the http://ASP.NET framework, Visual Basic Scripts, MS Index Server, Macromedia’s and Cold Fusion.

Windows operating proceeding crave painless or no existence in lacework evolving to discharge strange temper big idea very quickly because of better graphical user interface (GUI) Software such as Microsoft’s FrontPage is specially developed for the webmaster to decrease the website development time and efforts.

Lets header grant and to UNIX, they aid FrontPage, Flash, Shockwave, Real Audio/Video, Cgi Scripts, Perl, PHP, SSH (Secure Telnet), MySQL, Web-Based Control System, Anonymous FTP, Web Site Graphical Statistics, Web-Based Email System, Miva/XML, Cold Fusion Perl, JAVA, PHP, C, C++, Miva, Shell Access and various revealed phenomenon of character drink in Telnet and SSH that provides lots of right and freedom in managing file and directories, but some of this require advance knowledge of Unix commands in order for you to customize the scripts to match your website needs.

Because of the character of UNIX, (open source) and the commonality who rapture it, qualified is on the WWW freely available software and scripts, besides bringing the market price down.

Which Server Operating System is Ideal? Unix or Windows

One person has decided to create a website. What is the foremost thing he requires first? It is surely web hosting. Besides other miscellaneous things, like cost and features, he has to make a choice between which servers he has to prefer: Is that Windows (NT, 2000 or XP) or UNIX (Linux, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, etc.).

If one measures them on the basis of their merits. The inference will be a least difference. But in case a user gives the priority to stability, or ease of use, UNIX based servers wins the race. Generally, Windows servers are preferred, as they need not to be rebooted in continuous occasions and are easier to administer and use. It is obvious for many beginners to be in dilemma over the pros and cons of the different operating systems. UNIX’s prime drawback is using a command line interface for administration, which is similar to original MS-DOS interface creating a head ace for a beginner. Also, updating of kernel and software at regular time period is essential for the stability of a UNIX machine, which is far harder than Windows. It can be tackled to work swiftly, if the user’s web host possesses good administration software.

If a person is using scripting, he has to consider once more while choosing an operating system. If the answer is yes, then the next question will arise i.e. what sort of? For example, if one should has decided to go along with PERL language to create a dream, dynamic site, then it is recommended that he/she must go for UNIX operating system. Above statement is also accurate for the languages like PHP, and Pythlon. But if one selects an ASP based site then nothing can be the best choice than Windows. However, to worse the matter further some UNIX systems can give the choice of ASP scripts in them, though the class of the script implementation is adversely affected.

One should need to maintain the software with patches from Microsoft’s website at least once in a week to prevent it from being exploited, if he/she is using a Windows-based web server (because it does not come in the category of host’s responsibilities).

UNIX administrators will only have to do it on the monthly basis only or one can say that UNIX is quite adapted to such conditions.

At the end one can say that both the operating systems (UNIX and Windows) have there own merits and both have the potential to satisfy the customer. But one should not ignore the operating costs and likewise other aspects before coming to any form of inference.

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