220-1102 Question 682
Single answerMaintenance windowsA technician needs to apply operating system updates and a BIOS firmware update to the front-desk PCs at a medical office. The systems are used continuously during patient check-in from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and staff have complained that unexpected restarts interrupt appointments. The office manager wants the work completed with the least impact on users and the lowest risk of data loss. Which action should the technician take FIRST?
- A
Schedule the updates and firmware installation during an approved after-hours maintenance window, notify users in advance, and confirm that data is saved before the restart
- B
Start the updates immediately on each PC as soon as the technician arrives so all systems are patched before the end of the day
- C
Disable restart prompts so users are not interrupted, then let the updates install whenever the systems become idle
- D
Apply the BIOS update during business hours, but postpone operating system updates until users report performance issues
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Maintenance windows are scheduled periods when IT work such as patching, upgrades, restarts, and other disruptive tasks can be performed with minimal effect on business operations. In this scenario, the correct response is to schedule both the OS and BIOS work during an approved after-hours window, notify users, and ensure work is saved before restarting. This aligns with common IT support and change-management best practices: plan changes, communicate expected downtime, minimize user impact, and reduce the risk of data loss. For endpoint maintenance, Microsoft and other enterprise documentation commonly emphasize scheduling updates outside active hours when possible, especially when reboots are required. Firmware updates deserve additional caution because interruption can render a device unusable.
- A. Correct.
Correct. Using an approved maintenance window is the best first step because it reduces business disruption, allows advance communication to users, and provides time to save work before required reboots. This is especially important for BIOS updates and operating system patches, which can require restarts and carry more risk than routine application changes. Scheduling and notification are standard best practices for change management and maintenance planning.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Although patching promptly is important, starting updates during active clinic hours creates unnecessary disruption and increases the chance that open patient records or other unsaved work will be lost during restart. This choice ignores the stated need to minimize impact on users.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Allowing updates to install opportunistically without a planned maintenance window can still cause unexpected restarts or delayed patching. Disabling restart prompts may reduce visible interruptions temporarily, but it does not address proper scheduling, user communication, or the higher-risk nature of a BIOS update.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. BIOS updates should also be performed in a controlled maintenance window because a restart is required and interruption during firmware installation can cause serious problems. Postponing operating system updates until users complain is poor security and maintenance practice because updates should be applied according to policy and risk, not only after symptoms appear.