1.10 - CompTIA A+ Core 2

1.10 - Installing Applications: Professor Messer

System requirements for applications

32-bit vs. 64-bit dependent application requirements

• Applications must match the CPU/processor for the operating system architecture.

• 32-bit application: An application that can only run on a 32-bit (x86) processor.

• 64-bit application: An application that can only run on a 64-bit (x64) processor.

• 32-bit processors have 2³² addressable memory spaces, which totals to 4 GB of RAM, whereas 64-bit processors can support 2⁶⁴ addressable memory spaces, allowing for significantly more RAM, theoretically up to 16 exabytes (17 billion GB).

• 32-bit and 64-bit drivers have hardware-specific drivers.

• 64-bit processors can run both 32-bit and 64-bit applications, providing greater flexibility and compatibility for users.

• \Program Files (x86): Windows folder used to store 32-bit applications.

• \Program Files: Windows folder used to store 64-bit applications.

Dedicated vs. integrated graphics card

When installing applications, check if the software can run using the dedicated graphics card, or exceeds the integrated graphics card capabilities, and requires a dedicated graphics card.

• Integrated graphics card: CPU and GPU are on the same chip, and system memory is used for graphics. Common in laptops.

• Dedicated graphics card (GPU): Also called a discrete graphics card. Provides VRAM (Video RAM) and has higher graphics processing power for high-end use (e.g., gaming, video editing).

Video random-access memory (VRAM) requirements

RAM requirements

• RAM: Random Access Memory - a temporary, volatile location for computer applications, data, and instructions.

• RAM requirements: Specifications that dictate how much RAM is required to run an application. Critical specification - without enough RAM, the application may perform poorly, or not at all. Typically listed above and beyond the OS requirements.

Central processing unit (CPU) requirements

• CPU: Central Processing Unit - often referred to as the brain of the computer, it executes instructions from applications and the operating system.

• CPU requirements: Specifications that outline the minimum and recommended processing power needed for applications to function correctly. This includes factors such as clock speed, core count, and architecture.

External hardware tokens

• External hardware tokens: Physical tokens (typically USB storage devices) that allow users to unlock/use applications. The application will only operate with the hardware token connected. Often used with high-end/niche software.

Storage requirements

• Storage requirements: Applications require drive space to be installed, and for application use - pay attention to your available storage space, and the developer’s storage requirements.

Application to OS compatibility

• Applications have to match the OS they’re being installed onto (Windows applications have to match the Windows OS).

Distribution methods

Physical media vs. mountable ISO file

• Physical media: Installing applications from a physical flash drive (e.g., CD, DVD, USB). Increasingly rare method, and commonly used for when a machine cannot connect to the Internet (e.g., data centers).

• Mountable ISO files: Use to install operating systems. Disk image that contains operating system files organized into folders within its own filesystem. Mounted into your main OS as a separate drive (i.e., separate drive letter).

Downloadable package

• Downloadable package: Applications installed directly from the Internet - install from the developer website, or from a centralized app store for better security.

Image deployment

• Image deployment: Allows installation of an entire operating system, with the desired application, on an OS image. This image can then be duplicated and installed on other machines. Useful for companies - images can contain all relevant security updates, enterprise applications, and corporate network configurations.

  • Often used for virtual machines, as virtual machine hardware (i.e., hypervisors) is identical.

  • Can be problematic if system hardware (drivers) don’t match the software configuration.

  • Very fast deployment - often used when operating systems are damaged or infected with malware.

Impact considerations for new applications

Device

• Device impact for new applications: Refers to issues seen after an upgrade - such as slowdowns, non-functioning applications, and deleted files

Network

• Network impact for new applications: Access to internal services - rights and permissions to file shares.

Operation

• Operation impact for new applications: Time-sensitive application installation - updated applications may also require workflow changes.

Business

• Business considerations: Critical processes are sensitive to downtime and outages. Applications have the same rights and permissions as the user who is logged in (sensitive files, networked shares, etc.) Unknown/untested applications can therefore cause significant issues.