Digital Explorers Command Cheatsheet

Network Connectivity Commands

ping example.com

Tests connectivity to a server by sending ICMP echo requests. Shows round-trip time and packet loss.

tracert example.com

Shows the route packets take to reach a server, including all intermediate hops.

ipconfig /all

Displays detailed network configuration including IP address, DNS servers, and DHCP information.

DNS Commands

nslookup example.com

Queries DNS servers to find IP addresses for a domain name.

nslookup -type=MX example.com

Finds mail server (MX) records for a domain.

DNS resolution is like a phone book for the internet, translating domain names to IP addresses.

DHCP Troubleshooting

ipconfig /release

Releases the current DHCP lease and IP address.

ipconfig /renew

Requests a new IP address from the DHCP server.

If you see an IP address starting with 169.254.x.x, it means DHCP failed and you're using a self-assigned address.

System Information

systeminfo

Shows detailed system information including CPU, RAM, and OS version.

tasklist

Lists all running processes and their memory usage.

wmic cpu get name

Shows the CPU model name.

Email Diagnostics

nslookup -type=MX gmail.com

Finds Gmail's mail servers.

telnet smtp.gmail.com 587

Tests connection to Gmail's SMTP server (email sending).

Email servers use different ports: 25 (SMTP), 587 (Submission), 993 (IMAP), 995 (POP3)

Tips for Success