- by x32x01 ||
If you’re starting your journey in IT, Networking, or Cybersecurity, these commands are absolute fundamentals.
Master them early, and your troubleshooting and analysis skills will grow fast
These tools are used daily by IT support, SOC analysts, network engineers, and pentesters.
Ping checks if a host or server is reachable over the network.
Simple idea: Like saying “Are you there?” and waiting for a reply.
Key skill: Basic connectivity testing
Example:
If ping fails, you already know there’s a network or routing issue
Nslookup asks DNS servers for the IP address of a domain.
Simple idea: Looking up a phone number from a contact name.
Key skill: DNS troubleshooting
Example:
Very useful when websites don’t load but the internet is working.
This command shows every hop your request takes to reach a server.
Simple idea: Tracking a delivery package step by step 
Key skill: Network path & latency analysis
Example (Windows):
Example (Linux/macOS):
Helps identify slow or broken network segments.
Netstat displays open ports and active network connections.
Simple idea: Checking which doors and windows are open in your house 
Key skill: Detecting suspicious connections
Example:
SOC analysts use this to detect malware or unauthorized services
ARP shows how devices map IP addresses to physical MAC addresses on the local network.
Simple idea: Knowing who owns which phone number.
Key skill: Local network discovery
Example:
Very useful in network attacks analysis and defense
Telnet checks if a specific port is open on a remote host.
Simple idea: Trying to open a locked door 
Key skill: Service & port availability testing
Example:
If the connection opens, the port is reachable.
This command clears your local DNS cache.
Simple idea: Deleting old contacts to get fresh ones 
Key skill: Fixing DNS-related problems
Example (Windows):
Helps when websites change IPs but your system still uses old data.
Learning these commands helps you:
✔ Build a strong networking foundation
✔ Prepare for Cybersecurity & SOC roles
✔ Improve IT support & troubleshooting skills
✔ Understand real-world attack and defense scenarios
These tools are small, but their impact is huge
Master them early, and your troubleshooting and analysis skills will grow fast
These tools are used daily by IT support, SOC analysts, network engineers, and pentesters.
Ping - Test Network Connectivity
Ping checks if a host or server is reachable over the network. Simple idea: Like saying “Are you there?” and waiting for a reply. Key skill: Basic connectivity testing Example: ping google.comIf ping fails, you already know there’s a network or routing issue
Nslookup - Domain to IP Resolution
Nslookup asks DNS servers for the IP address of a domain. Simple idea: Looking up a phone number from a contact name. Key skill: DNS troubleshooting Example: nslookup example.comVery useful when websites don’t load but the internet is working.
Tracert / Traceroute - Track the Network Path
This command shows every hop your request takes to reach a server. Simple idea: Tracking a delivery package step by step Key skill: Network path & latency analysis Example (Windows): tracert example.com Example (Linux/macOS): traceroute example.comHelps identify slow or broken network segments.
Netstat - View Active Connections & Ports
Netstat displays open ports and active network connections. Simple idea: Checking which doors and windows are open in your house Key skill: Detecting suspicious connections Example: netstat -anSOC analysts use this to detect malware or unauthorized services
ARP - Map IP Addresses to MAC Addresses
ARP shows how devices map IP addresses to physical MAC addresses on the local network. Simple idea: Knowing who owns which phone number. Key skill: Local network discovery Example: arp -aVery useful in network attacks analysis and defense
Telnet - Test Open Ports
Telnet checks if a specific port is open on a remote host. Simple idea: Trying to open a locked door Key skill: Service & port availability testing Example: telnet example.com 80If the connection opens, the port is reachable.
IPConfig / FlushDNS - Fix DNS Issues
This command clears your local DNS cache. Simple idea: Deleting old contacts to get fresh ones Key skill: Fixing DNS-related problems Example (Windows): ipconfig /flushdnsHelps when websites change IPs but your system still uses old data.
Why These Commands Matter
Learning these commands helps you:✔ Build a strong networking foundation
✔ Prepare for Cybersecurity & SOC roles
✔ Improve IT support & troubleshooting skills
✔ Understand real-world attack and defense scenarios
These tools are small, but their impact is huge