72 IBM AIX Interview Questions to Assess Candidates

Hiring the right IBM AIX administrator can be challenging without a structured approach to evaluate candidates' skills and knowledge. A well-crafted set of interview questions can help you identify top talent and ensure you're making informed hiring decisions.

This blog post provides a comprehensive list of IBM AIX interview questions tailored for different experience levels, from basic to advanced. We've organized the questions into categories covering technical knowledge, processes, tasks, and situational scenarios to help you assess candidates thoroughly.

By using these questions, you can effectively gauge candidates' AIX expertise and make better hiring choices. Consider complementing your interview process with an IBM AIX skills test to get a more complete picture of candidates' abilities.

Table of contents

15 basic IBM AIX interview questions and answers to assess applicants

To assess candidates' fundamental understanding of IBM AIX, use these 15 basic interview questions. These questions will help system analysts and hiring managers gauge an applicant's knowledge of AIX concepts, commands, and administration tasks.

1. What is AIX and how does it differ from other UNIX variants?
2. Explain the purpose of the Object Data Manager (ODM) in AIX.
3. How do you check the current run level in AIX?
4. What is the significance of the /etc/inittab file in AIX?
5. Describe the process of creating a volume group in AIX.
6. How do you display the current CPU usage in AIX?
7. What is the purpose of the errpt command in AIX?
8. Explain the difference between physical volumes and logical volumes in AIX.
9. How do you check the version and release of AIX installed on a system?
10. What is the role of the smit command in AIX administration?
11. How do you list all installed filesets in AIX?
12. Explain the purpose of the lsdev command in AIX.
13. What is the function of the topas command in AIX?
14. How do you start, stop, and check the status of a service in AIX?
15. Describe the process of creating a user account in AIX.

6 IBM AIX interview questions and answers to evaluate junior administrators

When evaluating junior administrators for IBM AIX positions, it's crucial to assess their foundational knowledge and problem-solving skills. This curated list of interview questions will help you gauge candidates' understanding of basic AIX concepts and their ability to handle common administrative tasks. Use these questions to identify candidates who demonstrate potential for growth and adaptability in AIX environments.

1. How would you check the available disk space on an AIX system?

To check available disk space on an AIX system, I would use the 'df' command. The basic syntax is 'df -g' which displays disk space in gigabytes. This command shows information about mounted file systems, including total space, used space, and available space.

For a more detailed view, I might use 'df -g -t' which includes the file system type. If I need to see inodes usage, I'd use 'df -i'.

A strong candidate should be able to explain not just the command, but also how to interpret the output. Look for candidates who mention checking both space and inode usage, as both are important for system health.

2. Explain the purpose of the 'lssrc' command in AIX.

The 'lssrc' command in AIX is used to display the status of a subsystem, a group of subsystems, or a subserver. It's part of the System Resource Controller (SRC), which is a tool for managing system resources.

When used without any options, 'lssrc -a' lists all subsystems. You can also use it with specific flags like 'lssrc -s subsystem_name' to check the status of a particular subsystem.

An ideal candidate should be able to provide examples of when they might use this command, such as troubleshooting services or verifying system status during routine checks. Follow up by asking about their experience with other SRC commands for a more comprehensive understanding of their AIX system administration skills.

3. How would you find and terminate a runaway process in AIX?

To find and terminate a runaway process in AIX, I would follow these steps:

1. Use the 'ps' command to list all processes. For example, 'ps -ef' shows all processes with full details.
2. Identify the problematic process by looking at CPU or memory usage.
3. Note the Process ID (PID) of the runaway process.
4. Use the 'kill' command to terminate the process. For a normal termination, I'd use 'kill PID'. If that doesn't work, I might use 'kill -9 PID' for a forced termination.

If needed, I could also use the 'top' command to monitor processes in real-time and identify resource-intensive ones.

Look for candidates who mention the importance of investigating why a process became problematic before terminating it, as well as the potential impacts of forcefully killing a process. This demonstrates a deeper understanding of system operations and troubleshooting.

4. What is the significance of the '/etc/environment' file in AIX?

The '/etc/environment' file in AIX is a system-wide configuration file that sets environment variables for all users on the system. It's read by the system during the login process and affects all users and processes.

This file typically contains variables like PATH, which defines the directories to search for executable files, and LANG, which sets the system's default language and locale settings.

A strong candidate should explain that modifying this file requires caution, as changes affect all users and could potentially disrupt system operations if not done correctly. They might also mention that user-specific environment variables are typically set in files like '.profile' or '.bashrc' in the user's home directory.

5. How would you add a new disk to an existing volume group in AIX?

To add a new disk to an existing volume group in AIX, I would follow these steps:

1. Identify the new disk using 'lsdev -Cc disk'.
2. Prepare the disk using 'chdev -l hdiskX -a pv=yes', where X is the disk number.
3. Use the 'extendvg' command to add the disk to the volume group. For example, 'extendvg vgname hdiskX'.

After adding the disk, I would verify the operation using 'lsvg -p vgname' to list the physical volumes in the volume group.

Look for candidates who mention the importance of backing up data before making changes to volume groups. They should also be able to explain concepts like physical volumes and volume groups in AIX storage management. Consider asking follow-up questions about logical volumes to assess their overall understanding of AIX storage architecture.

6. Explain the purpose of the 'bosboot' command in AIX.

The 'bosboot' command in AIX is used to create and update the boot image. This boot image is essential for the system startup process and contains critical kernel modules and device configurations.

Typically, 'bosboot' is run automatically after certain system updates or when changes are made to the boot logical volume. However, it can also be run manually if needed. The basic syntax is 'bosboot -a', which creates a boot image for all available devices.

An ideal candidate should explain that 'bosboot' should be used cautiously, as errors in the boot image can prevent the system from booting. They might also mention the importance of having a known good boot image backup before making changes. Look for candidates who understand the relationship between 'bosboot' and system updates, as this indicates a broader understanding of AIX system maintenance.

12 intermediate IBM AIX interview questions and answers to ask mid-tier administrators.

To ensure you hire a mid-tier IBM AIX administrator with the right experience and skills, incorporating specific questions into your interview process is essential. These questions are tailored to evaluate the candidate's ability to handle intermediate-level tasks crucial for your IT manager position and other related roles.

1. Can you explain how to create and manage a paging space in AIX?
2. Describe the steps to perform a system backup and restore in AIX.
3. How do you configure network interfaces on an AIX server?
4. Explain the process of upgrading AIX to a new version.
5. What are the steps to set up and configure NFS on AIX?
6. How would you troubleshoot a system performance issue in AIX?
7. Describe the method to configure and manage print queues in AIX.
8. How do you secure an AIX server to meet compliance requirements?
9. Explain how to use the mksysb command for system backup.
10. What steps would you take to diagnose and resolve a boot issue in AIX?
11. How do you configure and manage TCP/IP settings in AIX?
12. Describe the process of applying patches and updates to an AIX system.

7 advanced IBM AIX interview questions and answers to evaluate senior administrators

When you're looking to fill a senior IBM AIX administrator role, it's crucial to ask the right questions that can dig deep into their expertise. These advanced IBM AIX interview questions are designed to help you evaluate whether candidates have the skills and experience needed to tackle complex tasks and lead your AIX environment effectively.

1. Can you explain the process of migrating an AIX system to new hardware?

Migrating an AIX system to new hardware involves several key steps. First, you need to take a complete backup of the existing system using tools like mksysb. Next, you prepare the new hardware by installing the base AIX operating system. Afterward, you restore the backup onto the new system, ensuring that all applications and data are transferred correctly.

It's important to test the new system thoroughly to confirm that everything is working as expected. You should also update any necessary hardware configurations and network settings. An ideal candidate will emphasize the importance of planning and testing to minimize downtime and avoid data loss.

2. How do you handle disk mirroring in AIX, and what are its benefits?

Disk mirroring in AIX involves creating an exact copy of a volume group on a separate physical disk. This is typically done using the mirrorvg command. The primary benefit of disk mirroring is increased data availability and redundancy. If one disk fails, the system can continue to operate using the mirrored disk, thereby reducing the risk of data loss.

A strong candidate will point out the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure that the mirrors are synchronized. They may also discuss scenarios where mirroring is particularly beneficial, such as in critical systems requiring high availability.

3. What steps would you take to troubleshoot a slow-performing AIX system?

To troubleshoot a slow-performing AIX system, I would start by checking the system's resource utilization using commands like topas or vmstat to identify any bottlenecks. Next, I would look at CPU, memory, and disk usage to see if any resource is being over-utilized. I might also use the iostat command to examine disk I/O performance.

Further steps could include reviewing system logs for errors or warnings, analyzing running processes to identify any that are consuming excessive resources, and checking network performance if applicable. An ideal candidate will demonstrate a methodical approach to troubleshooting and discuss the importance of identifying and addressing the root cause of performance issues.

4. How do you manage software updates and patches in an AIX environment?

Managing software updates and patches in AIX typically involves using the IBM Fix Central to download the necessary updates. The updates are then applied using the smit tool or command-line utilities like installp. It is important to follow a structured process that includes: reviewing the release notes, performing a backup, and testing the updates in a non-production environment before rolling them out to production systems.

A good candidate will emphasize the importance of regular patch management to maintain system security and stability. They might also discuss the need for rollback plans in case an update causes unexpected issues.

5. Explain the role and importance of Logical Volume Manager (LVM) in AIX.

The Logical Volume Manager (LVM) in AIX is a tool used to manage disk storage. It allows administrators to create, modify, and delete logical volumes, which are flexible and scalable storage units. LVM abstracts the physical storage, enabling easier management of disk resources and better performance optimization.

An important aspect of LVM is its ability to resize volumes without downtime, providing greater flexibility for system administrators. A candidate's answer should highlight the importance of LVM in simplifying storage management and improving system reliability.

6. What is the purpose of the SRC (System Resource Controller) in AIX?

The System Resource Controller (SRC) in AIX is used to manage system services and daemons. It provides a unified interface to start, stop, and monitor these services, ensuring that they run efficiently and reliably. Commands like startsrc, stopsrc, and lssrc are used to interact with the SRC.

A proficient candidate will discuss the importance of SRC in maintaining the stability and performance of the system. They should also mention the role of SRC in automating the management of services, which is crucial for large environments.

7. How would you ensure high availability and disaster recovery for an AIX system?

Ensuring high availability for an AIX system involves setting up clustering solutions such as IBM PowerHA. This setup allows for automatic failover in case of hardware or software failures. Disaster recovery, on the other hand, focuses on data replication and backup strategies, like using mksysb for system backups and offsite storage for critical data.

A strong candidate will discuss both proactive and reactive strategies, including regular testing of disaster recovery plans and ensuring that backups are consistent and recoverable. They should also emphasize the importance of minimizing downtime and data loss during failovers and recoveries.

10 IBM AIX interview questions about technical knowledge and definitions

To assess a candidate's technical knowledge of IBM AIX, use these 10 interview questions. They're designed to help system analysts and hiring managers evaluate an applicant's understanding of key AIX concepts and features. These questions cover important technical aspects that any AIX professional should be familiar with.

1. Can you explain the AIX Workload Partitions (WPARs) and their benefits?
2. What is the purpose of the AIX Virtual I/O Server (VIOS)?
3. How does the Logical Volume Manager (LVM) work in AIX?
4. Explain the concept of JFS2 snapshots in AIX.
5. What is the role of the AIX Network Installation Management (NIM) server?
6. Can you describe the AIX Security Expert (AIXpert) tool and its functions?
7. How does AIX handle resource monitoring and what tools are available for this?
8. Explain the purpose and usage of the AIX Event Report Service.
9. What is the significance of the AIX Trusted Execution (TE) feature?
10. How does AIX implement CPU and memory affinity, and why is it important?

12 IBM AIX interview questions about processes and tasks

To assess candidates' understanding of AIX process management and task handling, consider using these 12 interview questions. These queries will help you evaluate a system analyst's proficiency in managing AIX processes, ensuring you find the right fit for your team.

1. How do you view and interpret the process table in AIX?
2. Explain the difference between foreground and background processes in AIX.
3. What is the purpose of the 'nice' command in AIX, and how would you use it?
4. How do you set process priorities in AIX?
5. Describe the function of the 'ps' command and its commonly used flags in AIX.
6. What is the significance of the '/proc' filesystem in AIX?
7. How would you track down a process consuming excessive CPU in AIX?
8. Explain the concept of process states in AIX and list the main states.
9. What is the purpose of the 'renice' command in AIX?
10. How do you use the 'at' command to schedule tasks in AIX?
11. Describe the process of setting up and managing cron jobs in AIX.
12. What tools or commands would you use to monitor system processes in real-time on AIX?

10 situational IBM AIX interview questions for hiring top administrators

To ensure you're hiring the best AIX administrators, consider using this list of situational questions. These questions help assess how candidates handle real-world challenges they might face in their roles, making it easier to identify top talent. Their responses will provide insights into their problem-solving skills and technical knowledge, crucial for effective AIX management.

1. How would you handle a situation where a critical application is running slowly on an AIX server?
2. Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot a complex network issue on an AIX system. What steps did you take?
3. If you were tasked with migrating an AIX system to a new server, what key considerations and steps would you outline?
4. Imagine a scenario where you need to configure a new NFS share. How would you approach the process in AIX?
5. What would you do if you discovered that a server's disk space was critically low just before a major deployment?
6. How would you address a situation where a scheduled cron job failed to run on an AIX server?
7. If a user reports that they cannot access their account on an AIX system, how would you investigate and resolve the issue?
8. Describe your approach to documenting AIX configurations and procedures for future reference. Why is this important?
9. How would you prioritize multiple high-severity incidents occurring simultaneously on an AIX system?
10. Can you share an experience where you successfully implemented a backup and recovery strategy for an AIX environment?

Which IBM AIX skills should you evaluate during the interview phase?

You can't assess everything about a candidate from one interview, but for IBM AIX, certain skills are core and indispensable. Identifying these can help you make better hiring decisions and ensure that the candidate is a good fit for your team.

System Administration

System Administration skills are critical for managing and maintaining IBM AIX environments. Administrators need to handle user permissions, system updates, and general upkeep to ensure optimal performance and security.

You can use an assessment test that asks relevant MCQs to filter out this skill. Check out our IBM AIX online test designed to evaluate these competencies.

You can also try asking targeted interview questions specifically to judge this subskill.

Can you explain the steps involved in creating and deleting user accounts on an AIX system?

Look out for a detailed explanation that covers commands like mkuser and rmuser, as well as considerations for user permissions and group memberships.

Shell Scripting

Shell scripting is essential for automating repetitive tasks in IBM AIX environments. Scripts can simplify system administration tasks and improve efficiency.

Consider using our Linux Shell Test which includes questions on shell scripting in UNIX-like systems.

You can also try asking targeted interview questions specifically to judge this subskill.

Can you write a shell script to monitor disk usage and alert when it exceeds a certain threshold?

Look for clarity in script logic, appropriate use of AIX commands like df, and error handling capabilities.

Networking

Networking skills are vital for configuring and troubleshooting network interfaces, managing firewall settings, and ensuring secure communication between systems in an IBM AIX environment.

You can also try asking targeted interview questions specifically to judge this subskill.

How would you troubleshoot a network connectivity issue on an IBM AIX server?

Expect the candidate to discuss using tools like ping, netstat, and traceroute, and to describe a systematic approach to isolating the issue.

Performance Tuning

Performance Tuning is crucial for optimizing system resources and ensuring that applications run efficiently. This includes managing memory, CPU usage, and I/O operations.

You can also try asking targeted interview questions specifically to judge this subskill.

What steps would you take to identify and resolve a CPU bottleneck in an AIX system?

Evaluate their knowledge of tools like topas, vmstat, and iostat, and their ability to interpret these tools' outputs for performance tuning.

Hire the Best IBM AIX Candidates with Adaface

If you are looking to hire someone with IBM AIX skills, you need to ensure they have those skills accurately. It is important to assess their ability to handle various tasks and challenges associated with IBM AIX.

The best way to do this is to use skill tests. We recommend using our IBM AIX Online Test to objectively measure the candidate's skills.

Once you use this test, you'll be able to shortlist the best applicants and call them for interviews. This ensures you spend time interviewing only the most qualified candidates.

To get started, sign up on our dashboard or explore our test library for more options. Make the right choice for your team with Adaface.

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