220-1101 Question 354
Single answerApplication virtualizationA small accounting firm needs to run a legacy tax application on several Windows 11 laptops used by traveling staff. The application frequently conflicts with newer software installed on the host OS, and the owner does not want technicians modifying each laptop's base configuration every tax season. The firm also wants to remove the application cleanly when the season ends. Which solution best meets these requirements?
- A
Package the tax application as a virtualized application so it runs in an isolated container on each laptop
- B
Install the tax application directly on each laptop and configure compatibility mode
- C
Create a separate disk partition on each laptop and install the application there
- D
Replace the application with a web browser shortcut to the vendor's support site
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The best answer is to use application virtualization. In A+ Core 1, application virtualization refers to running an application in an isolated layer or container-like package rather than installing it traditionally into the host OS. This approach is especially useful for legacy applications that conflict with other software, need temporary deployment, or must be removed cleanly after a project or season ends. It reduces changes to the underlying system and simplifies deployment across multiple endpoints. This aligns with common vendor best practices for application packaging and isolation, such as minimizing application dependencies on the base image and reducing software conflicts during deployment and retirement.
- A. Correct.
Correct. Application virtualization is designed to let an application run in an isolated environment, reducing conflicts with the host operating system and other installed applications. This is a practical fit when a legacy app must be used temporarily on multiple systems without changing the base image extensively. It also simplifies cleanup because the virtualized package can usually be removed without leaving as many host-level changes as a traditional installation.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Compatibility mode may help some older applications run, but it does not isolate the application from the host OS or from other installed software. In this scenario, the main problem is recurring conflicts and the desire to avoid repeated host configuration changes across multiple laptops. A direct installation would typically increase administrative effort and make removal less clean.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Creating a separate partition does not virtualize the application or isolate its processes, registry interactions, and dependencies from the host operating system in the way application virtualization does. A partition is a storage arrangement, not an application isolation method, so it would not address the stated software conflict problem.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A browser shortcut to a support site does not provide access to the required legacy tax application. Someone might choose this option if they confuse application delivery with web access, but it does not solve the business need to run the actual software locally on the laptops.