Operating Systems & System Administration
Part 2 of my IT basics journey pushed me deeper into something every IT Support Specialist needs to know: how operating systems work behind the scenes.
The tasks in this assignment were simple on the surface — create a user, change permissions, run a command — but each one unlocked an important skill. Here’s how it went.
Creating a New User Account
I started by creating a new user account on my system. At first, it just looked like a basic setup step, but I realized how powerful this is in IT support. A user account isn’t just a login — it defines what someone can and cannot do on a computer.
For example, creating a standard account instead of an admin account can prevent a lot of accidental damage (like deleting critical files or installing malware).
This showed me that user management is one of the first lines of defense in security.
Testing File Permissions
Next, I changed file permissions on a folder. I restricted access to my new user account and then tried opening the folder. The system blocked me, which felt like a win — because that’s exactly what’s supposed to happen.
It’s one thing to read about permissions; it’s another to see the system enforce them. This made me realize how critical permissions are for protecting data, especially in a workplace where sensitive files shouldn’t be accessible to everyone.
Running ipconfig/ifconfig
Finally, I ran the network command (ipconfig on Windows / ifconfig on Mac/Linux) and grabbed a screenshot of the results. At first glance, the output looked like a wall of text. But here are the key values I focused on:
- IP Address: The unique number that identifies your device on the network. Without it, your computer can’t talk to other systems.
- Gateway: The “exit door” your device uses to connect to the wider internet.
- DNS Server: The translator that converts website names (like google.com) into the IP addresses computers actually understand.
Learning these values made me see why IT support always starts with “let’s check your IP and network settings.” It’s the foundation for troubleshooting connectivity issues.
Deliverable: My Knowledge Base Entry
Here’s my second entry, which I added to my IT Support Knowledge Base:
IT Support Knowledge Base Entry
Title: OS & Admin: User Accounts, Permissions, and Network Info
Problem:
Learn how to manage user accounts, set file permissions, and interpret network settings on an operating system.
Steps Taken:
- Created a new user account on my system
- Changed folder permissions and tested access with the new account
- Ran ipconfig (Windows) to review IP address, gateway, and DNS server
- Took screenshots of the results
Result:
- New user account created successfully
- Permission restrictions blocked access as expected
- Network values identified and documented
Plain-English Explanation:
A user account is like a set of keys — it decides which doors (files, settings, programs) someone can open. File permissions are the locks on those doors, making sure only the right people can get in. Network values (IP, gateway, DNS) are like your home address, your front door, and your local translator — without them, you’d be lost online.
Reflection:
Operating systems aren’t just about running apps; they’re about control, security, and connectivity. Practicing these tasks reminded me that IT support means protecting both people and systems from mistakes and misconfigurations.
Closing Thought
What I like about this assignment is how practical it felt. These are the exact checks IT teams use every day, whether it’s onboarding a new employee, securing files, or troubleshooting why someone’s internet won’t connect.
This part of RiseWithTech gave me a clearer picture of what it means to be in control of a system — not just using it, but managing it responsibly.
RiseWithTech 
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