5 of 12 are IT Support work, shown first
Hands-on support: repairs and PC builds
- 1Note the stop code and ask what changedWhy: The stop code and the last change (a driver, an update, new hardware) usually point at the cause.
- 2Boot into Safe ModeWhy: Safe Mode loads only core drivers, so Windows stays up long enough to fix it.
- 3Roll back or reinstall the driver named in the crash, or uninstall the latest updateWhy: If something recent broke it, undoing that is the fastest fix.
- 4Run the memory test and a disk check, then SFC/DISMWhy: Bad memory or a failing disk also cause blue screens; SFC and DISM repair damaged system files.
- 5Restart and confirm it's stableWhy: A fix isn't done until it survives normal use.
resolved
Faulty driver replaced; memory, disk and system files checked.
What I told them“A driver was crashing Windows. I replaced it and tested the memory and disk, so it's stable now.”
parts · generic tiers, no brands or prices
- CPU
- 4–6 core CPU with integrated graphicsPlenty for documents, browsing and video calls.
- Motherboard
- Board for that CPU socket, with an M.2 slotThe right socket, and room for a fast SSD.
- RAM
- 16 GB DDR5 (2 × 8 GB)Two sticks run in dual channel; 16 GB keeps many tabs open.
- GPU
- Integrated graphicsBuilt into the CPU, so no card to buy or power.
- SSD
- 500 GB–1 TB NVMeFast start-up and room for files.
- Power supply
- 450–550 W, 80 Plus Bronze or betterEfficient and quiet for a low-power build.
- CPU cooler
- The cooler that comes with the CPUEnough for office workloads.
- Case
- Compact case with front airflowSmall on a desk, still cool.
- Peripherals
- 24-inch 1080p monitor, keyboard, mouse, headset with micEverything needed for calls and daily work.
compatibility checks · illustrative figures
- ✓CPU socket matches the motherboard
- ✓RAM type (DDR5) is supported by the board
- ✓Power supply has 30%+ headroom (≈200 W draw on 500 W)
- ✓GPU length fits the case (integrated: nothing to fit)
- ✓Cooler height fits the case
- ✓SSD slot type (M.2 NVMe) is on the board
all checks pass · ready to build
Active Directory administration
example.local · synthetic lab domain
▾ OU=IT
- usrAlex Chen
- pcIT-LT-01
- grpHelpdesk-PasswordReset
▾ OU=Sales
- usr_Sales Templatetemplate
- usrJordan Patel
- pcSAL-LT-07
- grpSales-Staff
▾ OU=Finance
- usrPriya Shah
- usrDana Brown
- pcFIN-DT-03
- grpFinance-Share-RW
▾ OU=Warehouse
- usrSam Kim
- pcWH-PC-02
- grpWarehouse-Staff
▾ OU=Disabled Users
- (empty)
action log · T-1041
- ✓Find the user in Active Directory Users and Computers
PS> Get-ADUser p.shah -Properties LockedOut - ✓Account tab → Unlock account
PS> Unlock-ADAccount p.shah - ✓Reset Password…
PS> Set-ADAccountPassword p.shah -Reset - ✓Tick "User must change password at next logon"
PS> Set-ADUser p.shah -ChangePasswordAtLogon $true
What I told them“You're unlocked. Pick a new password when you sign in.”
User access: Microsoft 365, Entra ID and AWS
Microsoft 365 accounts
I add new users to Microsoft 365.
Microsoft 365 admin
Access by group
Users and groups live in Entra ID; group membership decides what each person can open.
Microsoft Entra ID
One sign-in for every service
Each service validates the same Entra ID identity through Microsoft Graph instead of keeping its own passwords.
Microsoft GraphOAuth 2.0 / OIDC
Least privilege in AWS
Each person or service gets an IAM user with only the permissions it needs.
AWS IAM
Removal in one place
Disable the account once, and access ends everywhere.