1.7 Application Requirements, Installation, and Configuration

32-bit vs. 64-bit

• Must install 32-bit drivers on a 32-bit PC, and 64-bit drivers on a 64-bit PC

• Must install 32-bit apps on a 32-bit PC, but 64-bit PC’s can have 32-bit or 64-bit apps (backwards compatible!)

• 32-bit apps: \Program Files (x86)

• 64-bit apps: \Program Files

Dedicated vs. Integrated graphics

Dedicated: GPU is its own component, uses its own VRAM, for high-end apps

Integrated: GPU is found INSIDE the CPU

VRAM requirements

Used for graphic-intensive apps (like games)

• Must meet VRAM requirements for apps!

RAM requirements

Applications are loaded into memory (RAM)

• Thus, need sufficient RAM to run programs!

CPU requirements

Processing power measured in GHz; requirements need to be met/exceeded for proper functionality

External hardware tokens

Apps only operate if it detects a piece of hardware (like a USB) is connected

• Manages app usage/limits access

• Hard to manage… need to physically pass this device around

Storage requirements

There should always be enough free disk space to copy and use the program’s files

OS compatibility

Make sure you install the correct app version for an OS

• Usually the app will support many types of OS’ and their versions

Physical vs. Downloadable vs. ISO OS distribution

Physical: portable media, CD, or USB disk

• For large apps/slow networks

Downloaded: can download and install OS files from the internet, then copied onto local disk, then ran and installed

ISO: app ISO is downloaded and installed directly onto machine, acting as a virtual optical drive

Installation considerations

Device impact: app upgrade can stop working/slowdown PC/delete files

Network impact: apps can communicate with anyone on network (could be a virus!)

Operation impact: may hinder performance, may require retraining

Business impact: potential downtime/outages/issues