Top IT Interview Questions Every Beginner Should Prepare For (With Simple Answers)

Without a strong foundation, nothing can endure; it will eventually be destroyed or gradually deteriorate in quality. Similarly, when hiring, most IT companies prefer candidates with a basic understanding of the software engineering domain and its components. 

In addition, the recruiters don’t expect perfect solutions from the freshers; they basically push individuals into situations and observe how they approach them. So it is more about assessing your problem-solving ability rather than anticipating the perfect answers. 

In simple terms, the questions are asked to check whether you are capable of working in the IT field and whether you can clearly think when encountering real-world problems. In this blog, we will explore some of the most commonly asked IT interview questions for freshers. Now, let’s get into the discussion.

Quick Answer:

Preparing for an IT interview as a beginner means understanding the basics like networks, databases, and operating systems. Interviewers also assess your problem-solving skills by observing how you approach and resolve issues. Focus on learning fundamentals and practicing clear, step-by-step solutions to boost your confidence.

List of Top IT Interview Questions for Beginners in 2026

In this section, we have segregated the questions into two (2) main types: Basic IT Knowledge Questions and Problem-Solving & Logical Thinking Questions.

The first type assesses your understanding of fundamentals such as networks, databases, operating systems, cloud, and security. At the same time, the second type focuses more on testing your analytical thinking, which is essential for identifying and resolving issues.

Category 1: Basic IT Knowledge Questions

1. How does hardware differ from software?

Hardware​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ is the part of the computer that consists of the physical or tangible components that can be touched, like the CPU, keyboard, monitor, and RAM. These pieces are the ones that build up a computer system and carry out actual computing operations.

Software is a collection of programs or directions that basically instruct the hardware what to do. It can be an operating system like Windows, a software like Microsoft Word, or an app on your phone. To put it most simply, hardware is like the body, and software is the brain that governs ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌it.

2. How would you define an operating system (OS)?

An​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ operating system (OS) is a type of software that controls both the hardware and software parts of a computer. It is like an intermediary between the user and the computer hardware, thus allowing programs to be executed and tasks to be carried out in a straightforward way.

Typical operating systems include Windows, Linux, and macOS. The OS is responsible for operations such as file management, application execution, memory allocation, and input/output device control. A computer without an OS is essentially ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌worthless.

3. Can you explain networking?

Networking​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ refers to the interconnection of two or more computers or devices to share data, resources, and information. For instance, this may be the sharing of files, printers, or internet access.

Networks may be limited to a household network (LAN) or large, like the Internet (WAN).

Networking is the most efficient way for devices to communicate and is the backbone of modern IT systems in residential and commercial ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌setups.

4. How is the Internet different from the Web?

The​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Internet is a worldwide network that links together millions of computers. It is the base that makes communication between devices possible.

And the Web (World Wide Web) is the set of websites and the content available online that can be accessed via the Internet.

5. How would you describe an IP address?

An​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ IP address is a unique identification number that is given to every device on a network. The IP address is what makes the device known, and it also enables the device to communicate with other devices either on the same network or over the Internet.

Essentially, there are two kinds of IP addresses: IPv4 (for example, 192.168.1.1) and IPv6 (longer format). Just as a home address is required for the delivery of mail, IP addresses are essential for sending and receiving data ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌correctly.

Also Read:  Internet Protocol and Transmission Control Protocol

6. What does a MAC (Media Access Control) address signify?

A​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ MAC address is a unique identifier of the network interface of a device that distinguishes it from others, for example, your laptop or smartphone. It is what enables the network to identify each device separately.

You can imagine it as a lifelong ID card of your device’s network hardware. A MAC address is typically the same one and is reserved for communication within the local ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌network.

7. How would you explain cloud computing?

Cloud​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ computing is all about utilizing the web-based servers for data storage, software operation, and service management rather than depending solely on your local computer. So, you can use your files and applications from any place, provided there is an internet connection.

Some of the widely used services are Google Drive, AWS, and Microsoft Azure. Cloud computing is beneficial as it provides the freedom to work from anywhere, can be accessed remotely, and lessens the need for heavy ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌hardware.

8. What is meant by virtualization?

Virtualization​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ means creating virtual versions of the physical resources that could be either servers, storage, or even operating systems. A single physical machine can, in this way, run several virtual machines completely independently.

Such a technology is instrumental in a company to save on hardware expenditures, increase the pace of work, and use its resources in a more efficient way. Virtualization is a vital element of the present-day IT ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌infrastructure.

9. How do RAM and ROM differ?

RAM​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ (Random Access Memory) is the volatile memory that the computer uses to store data during the execution of programs and tasks. It is a high-speed memory that gets cleared every time the system is turned off.

ROM (Read-Only Memory) is the non-volatile memory that stores the basic instructions for the computer to start. It can hardly be changed and stays there even when the computer is turned ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌off.

10. How would you define a database?

A​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ database is an organized collection of data that can be easily stored, managed, and accessed. It is a system designed to make data accessible and keep it structured.

Databases are the backbone of systems like banking, social media, and countless other fields, as they make it possible for vast volumes of data to be securely stored and quickly ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌retrieved.

11. How is SQL used in databases?

SQL​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ (Structured Query Language) is the tool that is used to store, handle, and retrieve data from a database. With its help, users can insert new data, modify current data, remove unnecessary records, and look for certain details.

Basically, SQL is the programming language through which you communicate with a database through ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌commands.

12. How would you describe a programming language?

A​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ programming language is a set of instructions used to develop software, applications, and websites. It allows developers to talk to computers and direct them in carrying out operations.

For instance, Python, JavaScript, and Java are three different programming languages. Every language has a separate set of rules and serves different purposes.

13. How do front-end and back-end development differ?

Front-end​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ development is all about the visual side of a website or app that users interact with. This includes things like the arrangement of the page, buttons, colors, and overall design of the site. It utilizes the technologies HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Back-end development is essentially the engine that runs the system, which is not visible to the user. It is made up of the server, databases, and application logic. Furthermore, it is responsible for the proper flow of data and for every internal component to work in ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌harmony.

14. How would you explain an API?

An​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of rules that helps two different software systems to work together. Basically, it is a connection that gives programs the ability to exchange information or carry out operations, without revealing the inner workings of each other.

For example, if a program presents the weather to you in real-time, it is utilizing an API to obtain that information from global and local weather agencies.

15. What role does DNS play in networking?

DNS​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ (Domain Name System) is basically the phonebook of the Internet. It converts the easy-to-use names of websites (such as google.com) into IP addresses that computers can understand.

Without DNS, you would have to remember long number strings instead of simple website names.

16. How does a firewall protect a system?

A​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ firewall is the first line of defense between your device and the internet. It keeps an eye on the traffic that comes in and goes out, and anything that is suspicious or harmful, it blocks.

Thus, it works as a deterrent to hackers, cyberattacks, and malware so that they do not get into your system and consequently, your data remains ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌secure.

17. How would you define malware?

Malware​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ is a term that refers to any software that is intentionally harmful to your computer; it aims at stealing, causing disruption, or even destroying your system. This category of software comprises viruses, ransomware, and spyware.

Malware may be introduced into a system via an infected file, unsafe downloaded content, or a phishing link.

18. How does a VPN work?

A​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ VPN (Virtual Private Network) essentially sets up a safe, encrypted link between the device you are using and the web. Your IP address is disguised, and your data is kept away from prying eyes.

Such a measure is very helpful for the security of the data during the use of a public Wi-Fi network, and it also gives you more privacy while surfing the ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌web.

19. Why is version control important?

Version​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ control is a system that records the changes to files or code that are made over time. It is a great tool for teams to collaborate and still keep their work separate and not overwrite each other’s work.

In case of an error, version control provides a means of retrieving a previous error-free version with just a few ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌clicks.

20. How is Git used in software development?

Git​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ is one of the most widely used version control tools that makes it easy for developers to track code changes, collaborate, and productively handle projects.

Developers use Git to create branches, try out new features, merge changes, and generally keep the whole project well-structured and in one place.

21. How would you describe a server?

A server is a very powerful PC that is capable of handling requests, providing data, and sharing resources with other machines called clients. These can be considered as the devices where the information is stored, the applications are run, and the network requests are managed.

Without servers, websites could not function, applications would be slow, and data would not be easily available to ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌users.

22. What is client-server architecture?

Client-server​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ architecture refers to a system in which the client (e.g., your phone or laptop) makes a request, and the server returns the necessary data or service.

Practically, this setup is at the root of any web-based app—like a site, email, or bank account—that operates in an orderly and skilful ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌manner.

Also Read: Types of Computer Network Architecture: An Insightful Guide

23. How do HTTP and HTTPS differ?

• HTTP is a protocol used for transferring data between a browser and a website, but it is not secure.

• HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP. It encrypts the data being transferred, protecting users from hackers and making browsing safer.

24. How would you explain bandwidth?

Bandwidth​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ is the limit of the maximum data that can be carried through a network connection over a certain period of time.

Greater bandwidth would result in things like quicker loading, uninterrupted streaming, and enhanced overall ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌performance.

25. How do you approach troubleshooting a system?

Troubleshooting​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ is essentially a stepwise process which involves firstly pinpointing the problem; then going through the possible causes one at a time; testing the solutions; applying the one which works; and, finally, making sure that the system is functioning properly.

Category 2: Problem-Solving & Logical Thinking Questions

1. How do you approach solving a technical problem you’ve never seen before?

When I face a technical problem I’ve never seen before, I start by understanding the issue clearly, researching possible causes, and breaking it down into smaller parts. Then I test different approaches step by step until I find a workable solution.

2. How do you identify the root cause of an issue?

To identify the root cause of an issue, I analyze the symptoms, trace the problem back through the system, and test each component one by one. This helps me pinpoint exactly where things are going wrong.

3. How do you prioritize tasks when multiple problems occur at the same time?

When multiple problems occur at the same time, I start by identifying which issues have the highest impact on users or the system. I focus first on tasks that are urgent or can cause the most disruption if ignored. After that, I organize the remaining problems based on their complexity and the time needed to fix them. This approach helps me stay calm, work efficiently, and ensure that the most critical issues get resolved quickly.

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Conclusion

Preparing for an IT interview may seem challenging at first, but focusing on the basics and understanding problem-solving approaches can make a huge difference. By learning fundamental concepts such as networking, databases, operating systems, and security, and by practicing approaching real-world issues step by step, beginners can build confidence and perform better in interviews. With consistent preparation and a clear mindset, you’ll be ready to tackle questions with ease and make a strong impression.

FAQs

How much time should a beginner spend preparing for an IT interview?

Spending 2–3 hours daily for a few weeks, focusing on the basics, can make a big difference.

Do I need to know coding to clear an IT interview?

It depends on the role. Most beginner IT positions need basic concepts and problem-solving, not coding.

How can I practice problem-solving for IT interviews?

For IT interviews, solve real-world technical scenarios, follow step-by-step troubleshooting, and practice with mock questions.