Windows Commands and Their Working

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2025-02-07

Windows commands are essential for system administrators, ethical hackers, and penetration testers. Below are some commonly used Windows commands along with their practical applications and verified code snippets.

1. ipconfig

This command displays all current TCP/IP network configuration values and refreshes Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and Domain Name System (DNS) settings.

ipconfig /all

This command provides detailed information about the network configuration, including IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway.

2. netstat

The `netstat` command displays active TCP connections, ports on which the computer is listening, Ethernet statistics, the IP routing table, and IPv4/IPv6 statistics.

netstat -an

This command shows all active connections and listening ports.

3. ping

The `ping` command is used to test the reachability of a host on an Internet Protocol (IP) network and to measure the round-trip time for messages sent from the originating host to a destination computer.

ping google.com

This command sends ICMP echo requests to google.com to check connectivity.

4. tracert

The `tracert` command is used to determine the path taken by packets to reach a destination.

tracert google.com

This command traces the route packets take to reach google.com, showing each hop along the way.

5. net user

This command is used to add, remove, and modify user accounts on a computer.

net user username password /add

This command adds a new user with a specified username and password.

6. tasklist

The `tasklist` command displays a list of currently running processes on the local or a remote computer.

tasklist

This command lists all running processes on the system.

7. shutdown

The `shutdown` command allows you to shut down or restart the local or remote computer.

shutdown /s /t 0

This command shuts down the computer immediately.

8. sfc /scannow

The `sfc /scannow` command scans and repairs system files.

sfc /scannow

This command checks the integrity of all protected system files and replaces incorrect versions with correct versions.

9. chkdsk

The `chkdsk` command checks the file system and file system metadata of a volume for logical and physical errors.

chkdsk C: /f

This command checks the C: drive for errors and fixes them.

10. gpupdate

The `gpupdate` command refreshes local and Active Directory-based Group Policy settings, including security settings.

gpupdate /force

This command forces an immediate update of Group Policy settings.

What Undercode Say

Windows commands are powerful tools that can help you manage and troubleshoot your system effectively. Here are some additional Linux commands that are analogous to the Windows commands discussed:

1. ifconfig (Linux equivalent of `ipconfig`)

ifconfig

This command displays network interface configuration.

2. ss (Linux equivalent of `netstat`)

ss -tuln

This command shows listening ports and connections.

3. ping (Same in Linux)

ping google.com

This command checks connectivity to google.com.

4. traceroute (Linux equivalent of `tracert`)

traceroute google.com

This command traces the route to google.com.

5. useradd (Linux equivalent of `net user`)

sudo useradd username

This command adds a new user.

6. ps (Linux equivalent of `tasklist`)

ps aux

This command lists all running processes.

7. shutdown (Same in Linux)

sudo shutdown now

This command shuts down the system immediately.

8. fsck (Linux equivalent of `chkdsk`)

sudo fsck /dev/sda1

This command checks and repairs the file system.

9. systemctl (Linux equivalent of `gpupdate`)

sudo systemctl daemon-reload

This command reloads systemd manager configuration.

10. apt-get (Linux package management)

sudo apt-get update

This command updates the package list.

For more detailed information on these commands, you can refer to the official documentation or online resources like Microsoft Docs and Linux Man Pages.

Understanding and mastering these commands can significantly enhance your ability to manage and secure your systems, whether you’re working on Windows or Linux environments.

References:

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