Troubleshooting Questions on OS and Networking asked in Cloud based Interview

This article has a Top 5 Troubleshooting questions on Operating System and Networking that will help you clear any Cloud-based Interview like AMAZON CLOUD SUPPORT ASSOCIATE AND AMAZON DevOps.

• Firstly, what is troubleshooting?

Troubleshooting is basically an art, the art of taking a problem into consideration gathering pieces of information about the problem, and understanding it. Finally, analyzing it using the information and most importantly solving it.

Now, let’s start with some questions…

1. Troubleshoot System running Slow. The first step to this problem is understanding the reason behind this problem. Possible reasons for this problem could be

   1. Processor related issue
   2. Disk related issue
   3. Networking related issue
   4. Hardware related issue.

   • Checking processor: Checking the memory stat and virtual memory stat gives an idea about which process is taking how much memory.

     Commands can be used: 

     1. top  2. free  3. lscpu

   • Checking Disk: Sometimes the disk is full which leads to a system slow and delay in the processing of other processes. Checking disk stat will give the idea about what’s coming in and what’s going out.

     Commands can be used: 

     1. df-u  2. du  3. iostat  4. lsof

   • Checking Network: Checking the network will you an idea about which port is listening to what and display the packets that are been transmitted and received.

     Commands can be used: 

     1. tcpdump  2. iftop  3. netstat  4. traceroute

   • Checking Hardware and other things: Checking the hardware for any kind of physical damage and also checking system uptime will give you an idea about how long the system hasn’t shut down which.

     Commands can be used: 

     1. iscpu  2. isblk  3. ispci  4. uptime

2. Troubleshoot Wi-Fi connectivity is slow.

   1. Check the speed of the internet. Before jumping to any conclusion, check the speed of the internet and match it with your internet pack.
   2. Reboot your Modem and Router. Sometimes, the router gets stuck in a bad state. The problem can be fixed with a reboot.
   3. Improve your Wi-Fi Position. It is highly recommended to place your router at a higher place because in some instances thicker walls or some metals may obstruct the signal.
   4. Using QoS to fix slow internet. Dividing available bandwidth on your Wi-Fi network between applications.
   5. Try changing DNS (Domain Name Server). DNS servers are provided by your ISP. But if they are slow and overloaded, switch DNS (Available DNS options: Google Public DNS & Open DNS)

3. Troubleshoot Device is overheating. There can be two-dimension to this problem. External factors and internal factors.

   • External Factors:

     • Check and clean the fans.
     • Elevate the device for proper ventilation.
     • Keep the device away from heat.

   • Internal Factors:

     • Avoid using an intense process. Prioritize your process.  

       Command can be used: 

       1. nice

     • Check for any kind of hardware-related issues. 

       Commands can be used: 

       1. iscpu  2. isblk  3. ispci  4. uptime)

4. Troubleshoot Running out of memory

   • Identify the process causing the memory usage. 

     Command can be used: 

     1. top

   • Kill or restart the process causing high memory utilization. 

     Command can be used: 

     1. kill   2.systemctl

   • C. Prioritize the process. 

     Command can be used: 

     1. nice  2. renice

   • Add Swap Space and extend Swap Space.

   • Add memory physically and virtually.

   • Troubleshoot Unable to connect to the internet

   • Look for any physical connection cable-related issues.

   • Check for Router light/ Restart your router.

   • Check whether you are using the correct SSID (router name)

   • Run Windows network troubleshooting if using Windows.

   • Reset TCP/IP

     Command can be used: 

     netsh init ip reset

   • Flush DNS

     Command can be used: 

     ipconfig/flushdns

   • Release/ Reset IP.

     Command can be used: 

     ipconfig/release ipconfig/renew

   • Reinstall network drivers.

Thank You!