Chandresh Jhansiwale

30 Desktop Support — Quick Q&A Cheat Sheet 2025 1. Role of Desktop Support? Install, maintain, and troubleshoot user systems. 2. What’s an IP address? Unique device identifier on a network. 3. Check IP in Windows? ipconfig in CMD. 4. What is DNS? Resolves domain names to IP addresses. 5. Join system to domain? This PC > Properties > Change Settings > Domain. 6. What is DHCP? Auto-assigns IP addresses. 7. Check system info? msinfo32 in Run. 8. What is Safe Mode? Diagnostic mode with basic drivers. 9. Access Safe Mode? F8 / Shift + Restart > Troubleshoot. 10. Static IP? Manually assigned IP. 11. LAN vs WAN? Local vs wide area network. 12. Map network drive? This PC > Map network drive. 13. BSOD? Blue screen system crash. 14. Troubleshoot BSOD? Note error code, check drivers & hardware. 15. Reset AD password? ADUC > Right-click user > Reset. 16. Print spooler? Manages print job queue. 17. Restart print spooler? services.msc > Print Spooler > Restart. 18. Flush DNS? ipconfig /flushdns 19. What is RDP? Remote Desktop Protocol. 20. RDP port? 3389 21. Proxy server? Mediates client-server requests. 22. Install software remotely? SCCM / GPO / PDQ Deploy. 23. Event Viewer use? Check system/app logs. 24. Windows Update? OS patches & drivers. 25. Fix a slow PC? Check startup, RAM, disk, and malware. 26. User profile? Personal settings & files. 27. Backup Outlook emails? Export to .pst. 28. Patch? Software fix/update. 29. chkdsk command? Check & fix disk errors. 30. Workgroup vs Domain? Peer-to-peer vs centralized.

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🔐 Active Directory (AD DS) vs Azure Entra ID – What’s the Difference & How to Migrate with Windows/Linux Servers? ☁️ Are you still relying on on-prem Active Directory for identity management? Let’s explore how to move towards modern cloud-based identity with Azure Entra ID – plus how to migrate your Windows & Linux servers along the way.👇 🆚 AD DS vs Azure Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) Feature AD DS (On-Prem) Azure Entra ID (Cloud) Hosting Local server Microsoft cloud Protocol LDAP, Kerberos HTTPS, REST APIs Authentication On-prem apps Cloud apps (SSO) Device Join Domain Join Azure AD Join / Intune Management Group Policies Conditional Access, Intune 🔁 Migrate AD DS to Azure Entra ID – Simple Steps 🔹 1. Assess Your AD DS Environment Audit users, groups, and devices. Clean up inactive accounts. 🔹 2. Prepare Azure Tenant Create an Azure account & Azure Entra ID. 🔹 3. Install Azure AD Connect Sync on-prem AD users/groups to Azure Entra. 🔹 4. Choose Identity Model ✅ Password Hash Sync (PHS) (recommended) Pass-through Authentication / Federation if required 🔹 5. Configure Sync and Monitor Set up sync rules, health alerts with Azure AD Connect Health. 🔹 6. Enable Security Features MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) SSPR (Self-Service Password Reset) Conditional Access Policies 🔹 7. Test Cloud Sign-In Ensure users can sign into apps like M365 using Azure credentials. 🔹 8. Migrate Workloads & Devices Move apps to cloud Join systems to Azure AD or Hybrid AD 🪟 Migrate Windows Servers to Azure ✅ Assess server (apps, OS version, roles) ✅ Use Azure Migrate: Server Migration Tool ✅ Replicate to Azure VM ✅ Test & finalize migration ✅ Enable Azure AD Join or Intune enrollment ✅ Monitor with Azure Monitor or Log Analytics 🐧 Migrate Linux Servers to Azure ✅ Identify OS and running services ✅ Create Linux VM in Azure ✅ Use Azure Migrate or upload VHD ✅ Move data with rsync, SCP, or Azure Files ✅ Reconfigure apps (e.g., Apache, MySQL) ✅ Install Azure Monitor Agent for insights 🛠️ Azure Services You’ll Need 🔧 Azure AD Connect 🔧 Azure Entra ID (Free or Premium) 🔧 Azure Migrate 🔧 Azure Monitor & Log Analytics 🔧 Microsoft Intune (for device management) 🔧 Azure Backup & Recovery Vault 🔧 Defender for Cloud (for security & compliance) 💬 Modern identity + secure infrastructure = Future-ready IT 💡 Are you planning to move your directory or servers to Azure? Let’s connect and exchange ideas! #AzureEntraID #ActiveDirectory #AzureMigration #AzureMigrate #CloudInfrastructure #WindowsServer #LinuxServer #CloudSecurity #Intune #ITManagement #DigitalTransformation #Microsoft365

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30 Must-Know IT Support Concepts – Quick Refresher for Desktop Support Pros! Whether you're a beginner or sharpening your skills, these essential topics cover the backbone of IT and Desktop Support: 1️⃣ Role of Desktop Support – Install, maintain & troubleshoot user systems 2️⃣ IP Address – Unique ID on a network 3️⃣ Check IP – Use ipconfig in CMD 4️⃣ DNS – Resolves domain names to IPs 5️⃣ Join Domain – This PC > Properties > Domain 6️⃣ DHCP – Auto-assigns IP addresses 7️⃣ System Info – Run msinfo32 8️⃣ Safe Mode – Diagnostic mode with basic drivers 9️⃣ Access Safe Mode – F8 / Shift + Restart > Troubleshoot 🔟 Static IP – Manually assigned IP 🔁 More Essentials: 11️⃣ LAN vs WAN – Local vs Wide Area Network 12️⃣ Map Network Drive – This PC > Map drive 13️⃣ BSOD – System crash screen 14️⃣ Troubleshoot BSOD – Check error, drivers, and hardware 15️⃣ Reset AD Password – ADUC > Right-click > Reset 16️⃣ Print Spooler – Manages print jobs 17️⃣ Restart Spooler – services.msc > Restart 18️⃣ Flush DNS – ipconfig /flushdns 19️⃣ RDP – Remote Desktop Protocol 2️⃣0️⃣ RDP Port – 3389 🛠️ Final 10: 21️⃣ Proxy Server – Mediates client-server requests 22️⃣ Remote Software Install – SCCM, GPO, PDQ 23️⃣ Event Viewer – View system/app logs 24️⃣ Windows Update – Patches & drivers 25️⃣ Fix Slow PC – Check RAM, startup, malware 26️⃣ User Profile – Personal files/settings 27️⃣ Backup Outlook – Export .pst 28️⃣ Patch – Software fix/update 29️⃣ chkdsk – Disk check & repair 3️⃣0️⃣ Workgroup vs Domain – Peer-to-peer vs Centralized ✅ These are the daily drivers of an IT Support success!

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Types of IT Support : 1. Help Desk Support: Handles basic issues like password resets or simple software errors. Acts as the first point of contact. 2. Desktop Support: Addresses on-site issues for computers, peripherals, and related equipment. Involves physical troubleshooting. 3. Network Support: Focuses on maintaining network devices (routers, switches) and resolving connectivity problems. 4. Server Support: Manages server configurations, monitoring, and repairs. 5. Application Support: Ensures smooth operation of software applications, resolving user and backend issues. 6. Remote Support: Provides help through tools like remote desktop apps, phone, or email. 7. On-site Support: Requires the technician to visit the user's location for hands-on support. IT Support Roles : 1. Help Desk Technician: First-level support for end-user queries. 2. Desktop Support Technician: On-site support for desktop systems. 3. Network Administrator: Configures and maintains network infrastructure. 4. Server Administrator: Specializes in server management. 5. IT Support Specialist: Covers various technical support areas. 6. Technical Account Manager: Focuses on long-term client satisfaction and technical strategy. 7. Field Technician: Provides on-site support across multiple locations. Responsibilities in IT Support : -Diagnosing and resolving system issues. -Installing and upgrading technology. -Educating users on best practices. -Maintaining IT system documentation. -Collaborating with different IT teams to enhance efficiency. Essential Skills : -Strong technical expertise across various systems. -Effective communication to assist non-technical users. -Problem-solving under pressure. -Familiarity with IT frameworks like ITIL. -Adaptability to technological advancements. Key Tools Used in IT Support : -Help Desk Software: ServiceNow, Zendesk and etc. -Remote Desktop Tools: TeamViewer, Microsoft Remote Desktop,Any Desk and etc. -Network Monitoring: SolarWinds, Nagios and etc. -Diagnostic Software: Event Viewer and etc. -Ticketing Systems: JIRA, Freshdesk and etc. -VPN Tools: Ensures secure remote access. Best Practices : -Use clear communication. -Follow and enforce SLAs. -Regularly train staff on emerging tech. -Keep documentation updated. -Gather and act on customer feedback. -Common Challenges -Adapting to rapid tech changes. -Managing high ticket volumes. -Ensuring security compliance. -Balancing remote and in-office work. I'm continually learning and working on improving my career. Along the way, I like to share the knowledge I've gained, but I don't consider myself an expert or a guru—just someone passionate about growth and helping others. hashtag #itsupport

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💻 Switch vs Router — 5 Key Differences Every IT Professional Should Know ⚙️ In the world of networking, Switches and Routers often work together — but they serve very different purposes. Here’s a quick breakdown every IT professional should know 👇 1️⃣ Function: Switch: Connects multiple devices within a local network (LAN). Router: Connects different networks together (e.g., LAN to the Internet). 2️⃣ OSI Layer: Switch: Operates at Layer 2 (Data Link) — uses MAC addresses. Router: Operates at Layer 3 (Network) — uses IP addresses. 3️⃣ Data Handling: Switch: Forwards frames based on hardware (MAC) addresses. Router: Routes packets based on software logic (IP routing). 4️⃣ Network Segmentation: Switch: Divides a network into smaller collision domains. Router: Divides networks into separate broadcast domains. 5️⃣ Use Case: Switch: Ideal for internal office/device connectivity. Router: Best for managing Internet access, traffic routing, and security. 🔹 In short: Switch = Internal communication Router = External communication 🌐 #Networking #ITInfrastructure #TechTips #SwitchVsRouter #ITProfessional #NetworkEngineer #CyberSecurity

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🕹️ Full Control Over Devices. Zero Guesswork With Users. SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager) is Microsoft’s enterprise-grade platform for centralized IT management. It enables organizations to deploy, manage, and secure devices and applications across their network — all from a single console. 🔧 Key Capabilities with SCCM: ✅ Software Deployment I can push or uninstall any app across the entire organization — silently, remotely, and within minutes. No user interruption. No walkarounds. Just policy-based automation. ✅ Operating System Deployment (OSD) Need to format a laptop, push a clean image, or roll out Windows 11 across 100+ machines It’s all done through PXE boot, task sequences, and zero-touch imaging — even while I’m sipping coffee ☕. ✅ Patch Management Whether it’s Microsoft updates or third-party apps, SCCM keeps all machines up-to-date — securely and automatically. No need to rely on users clicking "Install now." ✅ Remote Support & Control Forget RDP or third-party tools. With SCCM’s built-in remote tools, I can take control of any user machine instantly to troubleshoot. ✅ Compliance & Security Baselines From firewall settings to BitLocker enforcement — every security config is deployed and monitored. Non-compliant machines are detected and fixed automatically. ✅ Hardware & Software Inventory I know exactly what every user is running — from RAM size and CPU to installed software versions. Need a report for audits? A few clicks and I’ve got it. ✅ Role-Based Access SCCM allows me to delegate specific rights to junior admins or other teams — securely and in a controlled way. ✅ Task Scheduling & Automation From cleaning temp files to enforcing power settings — I can automate routine maintenance tasks on a schedule across all endpoints, reducing manual overhead. ✅ Integration with Active Directory & Intune SCCM integrates natively with AD and Intune, allowing hybrid environments where on-prem and cloud-managed devices work together seamlessly. ✅ Custom Reporting With built-in reporting powered by SQL Server, I can generate detailed dashboards on patch compliance, app usage, device health, and more — tailored to any department or audit requirement. --- 🔐 SCCM isn’t just about pushing updates, it’s about owning the IT environment and ensuring everything works exactly the way it should

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🔹 Top 15 Desktop / Technical Support Engineer Q&A 1. Q: What is the role of a Desktop Support Engineer? 👉 A Desktop Support Engineer provides technical assistance to end-users, resolves hardware/software issues, configures systems, and ensures smooth IT operations. 2. Q: Difference between Desktop Support and Technical Support? 👉 Desktop Support deals with on-site issues (hardware, OS, applications), while Technical Support can also be remote and often focuses on software/applications. 3. Q: What steps do you take to troubleshoot a slow computer? 👉 Check startup programs, free up disk space, scan for malware, update drivers, increase RAM if required, and check background processes. 4. Q: How do you troubleshoot network connectivity issues? 👉 Verify physical connections, check IP configuration, ping gateway, flush DNS, restart router/switch, and escalate if ISP-related. 5. Q: What is Active Directory? 👉 AD is a Microsoft directory service used to manage users, computers, and resources in a network domain. 6. Q: Difference between OST and PST files in Outlook? 👉 OST works in cached mode and syncs with the Exchange/Office 365 server, while PST is a local archive file for emails. 7. Q: What is DHCP and why is it important? 👉 DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automatically assigns IP addresses to devices, reducing manual configuration. 8. Q: How do you handle a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)? 👉 Note error code, check recent hardware/software changes, update drivers, run memory/disk checks, and boot in safe mode if needed. 9. Q: How do you fix a printer not printing issue? 👉 Check connections, restart spooler service, set default printer, update/reinstall drivers, and clear print queue. 10. Q: What is the difference between Switch, Hub, and Router? 👉 Hub broadcasts data, Switch forwards data intelligently within a LAN, Router connects different networks (LAN to WAN). 11. Q: How do you handle a ticketing system in IT support? 👉 Log the issue, categorize and prioritize, troubleshoot, update progress, resolve, and close the ticket with proper documentation. 12. Q: What is the importance of ITIL in support? 👉 ITIL provides best practices for IT service management, helping ensure efficient incident, problem, and change management. 13. Q: What are Group Policies in Windows? 👉 Group Policies control user and computer settings in Active Directory (e.g., restricting USB use, password policies). 14. Q: How do you troubleshoot Outlook not opening? 👉 Run Outlook in safe mode, disable add-ins, repair the profile, recreate OST, or reinstall Outlook. 15. Q: What skills make a successful Desktop Support Engineer? 👉 Strong troubleshooting, communication, patience, knowledge of OS (Windows/Linux), networking basics, and customer-first mindset.

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🔧 Top 10 Most Common Windows Server Roles 🔧 As I continue my journey learning Windows Server 2019, I’ve come to realize just how crucial server roles are for building and managing real-world IT environments. Understanding these roles is fundamental for any System Administrator or IT professional. Here are the Top 10 most commonly used and popular server roles that I’ve encountered: 1️⃣ Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) – Central to identity and access management. 2️⃣ DNS Server – Translates domain names to IP addresses. 3️⃣ DHCP Server – Automatically assigns IP addresses within the network. 4️⃣ File and Storage Services – Manages shared folders, permissions, and storage. 5️⃣ Web Server (IIS) – Hosts websites and web apps inside the organization. 6️⃣ Remote Desktop Services (RDS) – Allows remote access to desktops and apps. 7️⃣ Print Services – Manages printers across the network. 8️⃣ Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) – Controls Windows updates within the network. 9️⃣ Hyper-V – Creates and manages virtual machines. 🔟 Network Policy and Access Services (NPAS) – Supports VPNs and network access control. Each of these roles plays a critical part in the smooth running of an organization's IT infrastructure, and mastering them is essential for building a strong foundation in system administration and networking. For anyone starting with Windows Server, these roles are a great place to begin! #WindowsServer #SysAdmin #Networking #IT #ServerRoles #HyperV #ActiveDirectory #CloudComputing #TechLearning #ServerAdmin #SystemAdministrator #ITJobs #CareerInIT #ActiveDirectory #Virtualization #WindowsServer #Linux #Networking #ITCareer #ServerManagement

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🔐 IAM vs PAM: Explained in Simple Words In today’s digital ecosystem, understanding the difference between Identity and Access Management (IAM) and Privileged Access Management (PAM) is not optional — it’s essential. 🧠 While IAM secures everyday user access to systems and data, PAM protects the keys to the kingdom — admin accounts, root access, and sensitive systems. 🔑 💡 Think of IAM as your front desk security, and PAM as the high-security vault access — both are crucial, but they guard different doors. 👇 Check out this side-by-side comparison covering goals, tools, users, access types, controls, and real-world use cases. ✅ Save it. 📤 Share it with your team. 📚 Learn the difference before a breach teaches you. #IAM #PAM #CyberSecurity #IdentityManagement #PrivilegedAccess #AccessControl #InfoSec #SecurityAwareness #ZeroTrust #TechInfographic #ServiceNow #Okta #AzureAD #CyberArk #BeyondTrust #ITSecurity #CloudSecurity #LinkedInLearning #DigitalTransformation

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Mastering Windows Administrative Tools As IT professionals, our efficiency depends on how well we leverage the built-in tools Windows provides. From system tuning to troubleshooting, these tools are essential in ensuring stability, performance, and user satisfaction. Here’s a curated list of administrative tools every IT support or system engineer should know: --- 1. Disk Management (diskmgmt.msc) Manage partitions, format drives, and assign drive letters. Essential for new system setups or resolving disk-related issues. 2. Control Panel (control) Despite the shift to Settings, the Control Panel still houses vital configurations—user accounts, network settings, administrative tools, and more. 3. Device Manager (devmgmt.mac) Monitor and troubleshoot hardware components. Update, disable, or uninstall device drivers with ease. 4. Windows Registry (regedit) Advanced system tweaking tool. Be cautious changes here affect the entire OS. Always back up before editing. 5. System (sysdm.cpl) Access system info, environment variables, performance options, and remote settings. Great for configuring restore points and system identity. 6. Windows PowerShell Powerful scripting and automation tool. Admins use it for task automation, AD management, bulk operations, and more. 7. Command Prompt (CMD) Still valuable for legacy tasks, quick network tests (ipconfig, ping), and system scans (sfc /scannow). 8. Task Manager (taskmgr) Monitor running processes, performance, app history, and startup programs. First stop for identifying system slowdowns or misbehaving apps. 9. Event Viewer (eventvwr.msc) A critical diagnostic tool. Use it to view logs for application crashes, login activity, system warnings, and security auditing. 10. Services (services.msc) Start, stop, and manage Windows services. Helpful for troubleshooting startup issues and background processes. 11. Computer Management (compmgmt.msc) An all-in-one hub for Disk Management, Event Viewer, Task Scheduler, and Local Users & Groups. 12. Local Security Policy (secpol.msc) Control user rights, password policies, and audit policies. Vital for enforcing security standards on workstations and servers. 13. Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) Used to configure user and computer settings across networks. Apply restrictions, security policies, and custom configurations. 14. Resource Monitor (resmon) Drill deeper into CPU, memory, disk, and network usage than Task Manager allows. Great for advanced performance troubleshooting. 15. Task Scheduler (taskschd.msc) Automate scripts, backups, or updates to run at specific times or events. Boosts efficiency and reduces manual work.

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