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Assessment

Duration: 60 minutes | Foundation Track

Assessment Overview​

Assessment Structure​

  • Part A: Knowledge Review (20 questions, 20 minutes)
  • Part B: Practical Implementation (35 minutes)
  • Part C: Business Presentation (5 minutes)

Passing Requirements​

  • 75% overall score minimum
  • Successful completion of practical implementation
  • Clear demonstration of OS administration concepts

Part A: Knowledge Review​

20 questions, 20 minutes

Instructions​

Choose the best answer for each question. Each question is worth 1 point.

Question 1​

What is the main difference between desktop and server operating systems?

a) Desktop OS are more expensive
b) Server OS are designed for multiple users and 24/7 operation
c) Desktop OS have better graphics
d) There is no significant difference

Question 2​

Active Directory is primarily used for:

a) Creating websites
b) Managing user accounts and permissions centrally
c) Playing games
d) Storing files

Question 3​

A small business wants to centralize user management for 50 employees. What should they implement?

a) Individual user accounts on each computer
b) Active Directory domain controller
c) More powerful workstations
d) Cloud storage only

Question 4​

In Linux, which command shows the current directory location?

a) ls
b) cd
c) pwd
d) cat

Question 5​

What does the Linux permission rw-r--r-- mean?

a) Everyone can read and write
b) Owner can read/write, others can only read
c) Only root can access the file
d) The file is corrupted

Question 6​

A user needs to run administrative commands in Linux but shouldn't have permanent admin access. What should they use?

a) su
b) sudo
c) root
d) chmod

Question 7​

In Windows Server, what tool is used to manage multiple servers from one location?

a) Task Manager
b) Control Panel
c) Server Manager
d) Registry Editor

Question 8​

Which file system permission allows a user to modify file contents?

a) Read
b) Write
c) Execute
d) List

Question 9​

What is the purpose of groups in user management?

a) To organize users by age
b) To simplify permission management for users with similar roles
c) To limit the number of users
d) To increase system performance

Question 10​

In Linux, how do you restart the Apache web server service?

a) systemctl restart apache2
b) ls apache2
c) cd apache2
d) cat apache2

Question 11​

What does the pipe symbol (|) do in command line?

a) Creates new files
b) Deletes files
c) Sends output of one command as input to another
d) Lists directories

Question 12​

A business wants to share files securely among departments. What's the best Windows Server approach?

a) Email files to everyone
b) Use USB drives
c) Create shared folders with group permissions
d) Print everything on paper

Question 13​

Which Linux command is used to search for text inside files?

a) find
b) grep
c) ls
d) mkdir

Question 14​

What happens when you use sudo in Linux?

a) The system shuts down
b) You get temporary administrative privileges
c) Files are automatically backed up
d) The graphical interface starts

Question 15​

In Windows PowerShell, which command lists all running services?

a) Get-Service
b) List-Service
c) Show-Service
d) Find-Service

Question 16​

Why might a business choose Linux servers over Windows servers?

a) Linux has better games
b) Lower licensing costs and high stability
c) Linux only works with Apple computers
d) Windows servers don't support networking

Question 17​

What is the main benefit of automation scripts?

a) They make computers slower
b) They reduce human errors and save time
c) They use more electricity
d) They make systems less secure

Question 18​

In Active Directory, what is an Organizational Unit (OU)?

a) A type of computer
b) A container for organizing users and computers
c) A network protocol
d) A backup system

Question 19​

Which command shows running processes in Linux?

a) ps aux
b) ls processes
c) show processes
d) get processes

Question 20​

What is the primary purpose of system logs?

a) To play music
b) To record system events for troubleshooting and monitoring
c) To store user files
d) To control network traffic

Part A Answer Key​

  1. b) Server OS are designed for multiple users and 24/7 operation
  2. b) Managing user accounts and permissions centrally
  3. b) Active Directory domain controller
  4. c) pwd
  5. b) Owner can read/write, others can only read
  6. b) sudo
  7. c) Server Manager
  8. b) Write
  9. b) To simplify permission management for users with similar roles
  10. a) systemctl restart apache2
  11. c) Sends output of one command as input to another
  12. c) Create shared folders with group permissions
  13. b) grep
  14. b) You get temporary administrative privileges
  15. a) Get-Service
  16. b) Lower licensing costs and high stability
  17. b) They reduce human errors and save time
  18. b) A container for organizing users and computers
  19. a) ps aux
  20. b) To record system events for troubleshooting and monitoring

Part B: Practical Implementation​

Duration: 35 minutes

Business Scenario​

"TechStart Marketing" is a 20-person marketing agency that needs to set up their server infrastructure. They currently have individual computers with no centralized management, causing security and collaboration issues.

Your Challenge​

Design and implement a server solution that addresses their needs using either Windows Server or Linux, based on their requirements.

Company Requirements Analysis​

Business Profile:​

  • 20 employees across 4 departments (Creative, Account Management, IT, Executive)
  • Heavy use of Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite
  • Need secure file sharing between departments
  • Remote work capability required
  • Budget-conscious but willing to invest in reliability
  • Limited IT staff (2 people)

Current Problems:​

  • No centralized user management
  • Files shared via email attachments and USB drives
  • No backup strategy for critical files
  • Security concerns with individual computer management
  • Difficulty collaborating on projects

Implementation Tasks​

Task 1: Platform Selection and Justification (10 minutes)​

Choose your approach:

  • Option A: Windows Server implementation
  • Option B: Linux Server implementation
  • Option C: Hybrid approach (justify the combination)

Document your choice including:

  1. Platform Justification:

    • Why this platform fits their business needs
    • Cost analysis (licensing, maintenance, support)
    • Integration with existing software and workflows
    • Scalability for future growth

  2. Risk Assessment:

    • Potential challenges with chosen platform
    • Mitigation strategies for identified risks
    • Backup plans for critical issues

Task 2: System Implementation (20 minutes)​

Choose ONE path based on your platform selection:

Path A: Windows Server Implementation​

  1. Active Directory Setup (8 minutes):

    • Design OU structure for 4 departments
    • Create user accounts for each department (at least 2 users per dept)
    • Set up security groups with appropriate permissions
    • Configure password policies and account restrictions

  2. File Sharing Configuration (7 minutes):

    • Create departmental shared folders with proper permissions
    • Set up common areas for inter-departmental collaboration
    • Configure home directories for users
    • Test access permissions with different user accounts

  3. System Management (5 minutes):

    • Configure basic Group Policy settings
    • Set up system monitoring and alerting
    • Document backup strategy
    • Create user management procedures
Path B: Linux Server Implementation​

  1. User and Group Management (8 minutes):

    • Create groups for each department
    • Set up user accounts with proper group assignments
    • Configure sudo access for IT staff
    • Implement password policies and account security

  2. File System Setup (7 minutes):

    • Create shared directories with appropriate ownership and permissions
    • Set up user home directories
    • Configure access controls for departmental data
    • Test file sharing and permission restrictions

  3. Service Configuration (5 minutes):

    • Set up essential services (SSH, file sharing)
    • Configure system monitoring and log management
    • Document maintenance procedures
    • Create automation scripts for routine tasks
Path C: Hybrid Implementation​

  1. Architecture Design (8 minutes):

    • Design integration between Windows and Linux systems
    • Plan service distribution (which services on which platform)
    • Configure inter-platform communication
    • Set up unified user authentication

  2. Implementation (12 minutes):

    • Deploy both platforms with appropriate roles
    • Configure integration and communication between systems
    • Test cross-platform functionality
    • Verify unified user experience

Task 3: Testing and Validation (5 minutes)​

  1. User Access Testing:

    • Test login with different user accounts
    • Verify file access permissions work correctly
    • Test remote access capabilities
    • Confirm backup and recovery procedures

  2. Documentation:

    • Create user guides for common tasks
    • Document administrator procedures
    • List emergency contacts and procedures
    • Provide system architecture overview

Deliverables​

  1. Technical Architecture Document

    • System design with justification
    • User and group structure
    • File sharing and security implementation
    • Service configuration details

  2. Implementation Evidence

    • Screenshots of configured systems
    • Test results showing working functionality
    • User accounts and permission settings
    • System monitoring setup

  3. Operational Documentation

    • User procedures for common tasks
    • Administrator maintenance checklist
    • Backup and recovery procedures
    • Troubleshooting guide for common issues

Part C: Business Presentation​

Duration: 5 minutes

Presentation Requirements​

Present your solution to "TechStart Marketing" leadership in business terms:

1. Current State Summary (1 minute)​

  • Briefly explain the problems with their current IT setup
  • Emphasize business impact and security risks
  • Present your chosen platform and architecture
  • Focus on business benefits, not technical details
  • Explain how this solves their specific problems

3. Implementation Plan (1 minute)​

  • Outline rollout phases and timeline
  • Address potential disruptions and mitigation
  • Explain training and support plan

4. Business Value (1 minute)​

  • Present cost comparison and ROI
  • Highlight improved security and collaboration
  • Explain scalability for future growth

Presentation Guidelines​

  • Speak to business value, not technical features
  • Use simple language - avoid technical jargon
  • Focus on problem-solving - how you're helping their business
  • Be confident - you understand their needs
  • Prepare for questions about cost, timeline, and risks

Assessment Criteria​

Knowledge Review (35%)​

  • 20 points possible (1 point per question)
  • Demonstrates understanding of OS fundamentals and administration
  • Shows comprehension of business applications

Practical Implementation (45%)​

  • Platform Selection (15%): Appropriate choice with clear justification
  • Technical Implementation (20%): Functional system meeting business requirements
  • Documentation Quality (10%): Complete and professional documentation

Business Presentation (20%)​

  • Communication Skills (10%): Clear, professional presentation to business audience
  • Business Focus (10%): Emphasizes business value and problem-solving

Scoring Guide​

  • 90-100%: Excellent - Professional-level implementation and presentation
  • 80-89%: Good - Solid technical skills with minor gaps
  • 75-79%: Satisfactory - Meets basic requirements with room for improvement
  • Below 75%: Needs Improvement - Requires additional study and reassessment

Common Implementation Challenges​

Technical Challenges​

Windows Server Issues:
- Active Directory configuration complexity
- Group Policy conflicts and errors
- Permission inheritance problems
- Service startup and dependency issues

Linux Server Issues:
- File permission complexity
- Service configuration errors
- User authentication problems
- Command syntax and parameter mistakes

Solutions:
- Systematic approach to configuration
- Test each component before moving forward
- Document working configurations
- Use official documentation for reference

Business Challenges​

User Adoption:
Challenge: Staff resistance to new login procedures
Solution: Clear training and gradual transition

Data Migration:
Challenge: Moving existing files to new system
Solution: Phased migration with backup verification

Downtime Concerns:
Challenge: Business continuity during implementation
Solution: After-hours implementation and parallel systems

Remediation Plan​

For Scores Below 75%​

Additional Study Materials​

  • Review sections with lowest scores
  • Complete additional hands-on practice labs
  • Study vocabulary terms and concepts
  • Work through troubleshooting scenarios

Support Resources​

  • One-on-one instructor consultation
  • Peer study groups for collaborative learning
  • Additional practice environments
  • Video tutorials and demonstrations

Reassessment Process​

  • Identify specific areas needing improvement
  • Complete focused remediation activities
  • Schedule reassessment appointment
  • Alternative assessment methods if needed

Success Strategies​

  • Practice with real systems regularly
  • Connect concepts to business scenarios
  • Explain technical concepts in simple terms
  • Focus on practical problem-solving approaches

Next Steps​

Upon Successful Completion​

  • Module 2 Certificate added to professional profile
  • Progress tracking updated for Foundation Track
  • Access granted to Module 3: Networking Essentials
  • Skills validation for OS administration fundamentals

Professional Development​

  • Portfolio enhancement: Add system implementation project
  • Skill documentation: Update resume with OS administration skills
  • Practical experience: Apply skills in lab or work environment
  • Continued learning: Prepare for advanced system administration topics

Congratulations on completing Module 2! You now have solid foundations in both Windows Server and Linux administration, essential skills for any IT infrastructure role.