Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

1. What are Primary, Secondary, and Stub zones in a Windows DNS Server?

• Primary Zone: This is the main zone where the DNS data is stored in a writable format, typically in a text file with the .dns extension.

• Secondary Zone: This zone maintains a read-only copy of the DNS data from a primary server. It provides redundancy and helps with load balancing and fault tolerance.

• Stub Zone: This contains only essential records—such as NS and SOA—that help reduce DNS query traffic by enabling efficient name resolution across DNS namespaces.

2. What does IntelliMirror do?

IntelliMirror is a suite of features in Windows Server that helps maintain user data, desktop settings, and software across different machines. It's particularly useful for users who frequently switch computers or work offline.

3. How can you install an application if the MSI file is not available?

If an MSI (Windows Installer) file is unavailable, a .ZAP file can be used with Group Policy to publish the application. Note that .ZAP files offer limited deployment options compared to MSI files.

4. How do you set up a remote installation without giving users direct access?

Navigate to:
Group Policy Object Name → User Configuration → Windows Settings → Remote Installation Services → Choice Options

From here, configure the necessary restrictions and automation settings to control access.

5. What does “tattooing” the registry mean?

“Tattooing” refers to changes made by Group Policy settings that remain in the Windows Registry even after the policy is removed. This means user preferences persist and are not reverted automatically unless manually changed or overwritten by a new policy.

6. How many types of DNS queries exist?

DNS supports two main types of queries:

• Iterative Query

• Recursive Query

7. What is the primary function of a Domain Controller?

A Domain Controller authenticates and authorizes users and computers within a Windows domain. It also stores and manages Active Directory data and handles security policies.

8. What information is required when configuring TCP/IP on Windows Server?

For IPv4, you need to specify:

• IP Address

• Subnet Mask
  (Optional: Default Gateway and DNS server addresses depending on your setup.)

9. How can a DHCP server be configured to always assign the same IP address to a device?

You can create a DHCP Reservation using the device’s MAC (hardware) address. This ensures the device always receives the same IP address whenever it connects.

To find the MAC address, use:

• ipconfig /all

• nbtstat -A <IP Address>

10. What is LDAP?

LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) is an open protocol used to access and manage directory information. It’s commonly used by applications and services to query user and resource details from directory services like Active Directory.

11. What is the SYSVOL folder?

SYSVOL is a shared directory that stores the server copy of the domain’s public files, including Group Policy objects and logon scripts. These files are replicated across domain controllers using the File Replication Service (FRS) or DFS Replication.

12. What’s the difference between a thread and a process?

• Process: A process is an independent program in execution, with its own memory space and system resources.

• Thread: A thread is a smaller unit of a process. Multiple threads within a process share the same resources but can perform different tasks simultaneously (e.g., one handles user input, another processes data).