Operating Systems · Topic 14 of 15
Application Requirements and Impact
Check CPU, RAM, VRAM, storage, hardware tokens and OS fit before installing an application, pick a distribution method and weigh its impact.
- 4 min
- Compare the application's minimum and recommended specification with the device before installing.
- A 64 bit application needs a 64 bit OS. A 32 bit application normally runs on a 64 bit OS.
- Integrated graphics share system RAM. A dedicated card has its own VRAM, and graphics heavy work needs it.
What it is
Installing an application is more than running a setup file. A technician first checks that the device and the operating system (OS) meet the application's requirements, then picks a distribution method, and finally considers what the new software will do to the device, the network, daily operations and the business.
How it works
System requirements
Vendors publish a minimum and a recommended specification. The minimum is the lowest level at which the program starts. The recommended level is what gives acceptable speed in normal use.
| Requirement | What to check | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| 32 bit or 64 bit | A 64 bit application needs a 64 bit OS. A 32 bit application normally runs on either | Settings, About, or System Information |
| Application to OS compatibility | The OS and version the vendor supports | Vendor requirements page |
| Central processing unit (CPU) | Clock speed, number of cores and processor type, such as x86 or ARM | Settings, About, or Task Manager |
| Random access memory (RAM) | Installed memory against the recommended figure, with room left for other programs | Task Manager, Performance tab |
| Storage | Free space for the install, plus updates, temporary files and the user's own data | File Explorer, This PC |
| Graphics | Integrated or dedicated graphics, and the amount of video RAM | Task Manager, Performance tab, GPU entry |
Dedicated and integrated graphics
Integrated graphics are part of the CPU or chipset and borrow system RAM. A dedicated graphics card has its own graphics processing unit (GPU) and its own video random access memory (VRAM).
Office programs run well on integrated graphics. Video editing, three dimensional (3D) design and modern games need a dedicated card with enough VRAM for the textures and frames they hold. Too little VRAM shows up as stuttering, low resolution or crashes, and adding system RAM does not fix it.
External hardware tokens
Some professional software checks for a hardware token before it will run. This is a small Universal Serial Bus (USB) dongle or a security key that acts as the licence. If the token is missing, the application may refuse to start or run in a limited mode.
Distribution methods
| Method | How it works | Points to note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical media | Install from a disc or USB drive | Needs no network, but media can be lost or damaged |
| Mountable ISO file | An ISO file is an image of a disc. The OS mounts it as a virtual drive and the setup runs from there | No disc is burned, and the file is easy to store and copy |
| Downloadable package | An installer such as an .exe or .msi file, an app store, or a package manager | Download only from the vendor or a trusted store |
| Image deployment | A prepared disk image, with the application already installed, is copied to many machines | Suits a standard company desktop |
When a scenario says the user has no optical drive and only a disc image, the answer is to mount the ISO file. When it says many identical computers, think image deployment.
Impact considerations
Every new application changes something, so think about four areas before approving it.
| Area | Questions to ask |
|---|---|
| Device | Does it use more CPU, RAM or storage than the machine has to spare? Does it drain the battery or add start up programs? Does it clash with existing software? |
| Network | How much bandwidth do downloads, updates and cloud sync use? Does it need ports opened or firewall rules changed? |
| Operation | Will the help desk need training? How long is the install downtime? How are updates and backups handled? |
| Business | What do the licences cost? Does it meet legal or industry compliance rules? Does it change how people work? |
Testing on a small group first shows device and network problems before they reach everyone.
What to remember for the exam
- Compare the application's minimum and recommended specification with the device before installing.
- A 64 bit application needs a 64 bit OS. A 32 bit application normally runs on a 64 bit OS.
- Integrated graphics share system RAM. A dedicated card has its own VRAM, and graphics heavy work needs it.
- Check free storage for the install and for working files, not only the installer size.
- Physical media, a mounted ISO file and a downloadable package are the main distribution methods.
- The four impact areas are device, network, operation and business.
Common mistakes
Looking only at the minimum specification. A program may start at the minimum but run too slowly to use. Aim for the recommended level.
Adding RAM to fix a VRAM shortage. A dedicated card uses its own video memory, so a bigger card is the fix.
Forgetting the licence token. A missing dongle or key can make a correct install look broken.
Check yourself
Which graphics type shares memory with the rest of the computer?
Integrated graphics, which borrow system RAM instead of having their own VRAM.
How can an application be installed from an ISO file without burning a disc?
Mount the ISO as a virtual drive and run the setup from it.
Name the four impact areas to consider for a new application.
Device, network, operation and business.
Topic 14 of 15 in Operating Systems
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