5.2.3. Essential Commands to Memorize

PBQs frequently require you to type or recognize command-line syntax. These are the most commonly tested network and disk management commands — practice them until they are second nature.

Network Commands

ipconfig                 # Show IP configuration
ipconfig /all           # Detailed configuration: MAC (Physical Address), DHCP server, DNS servers
ipconfig /release       # Release DHCP lease
ipconfig /renew         # Get new DHCP lease
ipconfig /flushdns      # Clear DNS cache
ipconfig /displaydns    # List cached DNS entries

ping 192.168.1.1        # Test connectivity and measure round-trip time (ICMP echo)
ping -t 8.8.8.8         # Continuous ping
tracert google.com      # Show route path hop by hop (the router where replies stop is the problem hop); Linux: traceroute
nslookup google.com     # Test DNS resolution (Linux: dig google.com)
netstat -an             # Show all active connections and listening ports
arp -a                  # Show the ARP cache: IP-to-MAC mappings learned from other devices
getmac                  # Show this PC's own MAC address(es)
ifconfig                # Linux/macOS equivalent of ipconfig (also: ip addr)

Disk Commands

diskpart                # Disk management utility
  list disk            # Show all disks
  select disk 0        # Select a disk
  clean                # Wipe disk
  create partition primary
  format fs=ntfs quick

chkdsk C: /f           # Check and fix errors