Linux and networking interview preparation

This course prepares a beginner for an integration and technical support interview. Use the dedicated Debian VM and your PC for the exercises.

The immediate target is explaining Linux, networking, and troubleshooting in English. Windows and database administration belong to the later learning path.

Learning path

How to study

Read the explanation. Run the worked example. Explain the output aloud. Complete the independent exercise with your notes available.

Record each result in your own notes as independent, completed with a hint, or completed after a demonstration. Repeat assisted tasks later.

A command running successfully is not enough. Explain what its result proves and what remains unknown.

Use this prompt when asking an AI tutor for help:

Ask what I tried and what output I received. Give one hint at a time. Ask me to explain the result. Give the full solution only when I request it. Do not invent command output or claim you inspected my VM.

Do not paste passwords, tokens, private keys, or customer information into chat.

Completion checklist

Create, move, read, and search files without command hints.
Identify the VM's IP address, prefix, default route, and DNS resolver.
Explain Ethernet, switching, routing, TCP, UDP, DNS, and DHCP.
Inspect a service, its logs, and its listening socket.
Investigate one simple fault and verify recovery.
Explain a small Bash script.
Write a useful support ticket and escalation.
Describe video delivery and RF concepts without claiming practical experience.
Complete a spoken mock interview.

Checkboxes are a study template. Copy them to your notes to track personal progress.

Sessions covered as of 2026-10-09

These observations come from mentor reports. Completing a session does not imply independent mastery.

Exercise	Reported result
Create, move, read, append, and search files	Repeated exercise completed independently after initial guidance
Nginx configuration error	Fixed with help; independent diagnosis and full recovery checks remain unverified
Correct versus unused HTTP port	Completed with hints
PC-to-VM request and loopback distinction	Completed; learner made notes
Successful and failed DNS resolution	Completed; level of assistance was not specified
HTTP status codes and nginx access logs	Explained and practiced, including following requests live

Use the practice page to revisit these topics. Ask for predictions and explanations before giving command hints.

After the interview

Continue with Linux permissions and backups, Windows and Active Directory, MariaDB, virtualization, and more complex network faults. These topics are outside this interview course.