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Computer Systems & Software Updates Flashcards

7 cards from real CTE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Computer Systems & Software Updates flashcards as text
  1. A CTE technology teacher wants students to understand why 32-bit software cannot run on a 64-bit OS without compatibility mode. The core reason is:

    Answer: The instruction set and memory addressing differ between 32-bit and 64-bit architectures

    32-bit and 64-bit architectures use different instruction sets and memory models, requiring compatibility layers for 32-bit apps on 64-bit systems.

  2. Which update management practice aligns most closely with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework's 'Protect' function?

    Answer: Applying timely security patches to reduce the attack surface

    Timely patching reduces known vulnerabilities, directly supporting the NIST CSF 'Protect' function by limiting opportunities for attackers.

  3. In a CTE computer science course, students learn about package managers. What is the main advantage of using a package manager (e.g., apt, npm) for software updates?

    Answer: It automates downloading, installing, and resolving dependencies for updates

    Package managers handle dependency resolution and automated installation, streamlining the update process across multiple software packages simultaneously.

  4. A CTE lab has machines with different hardware configurations. Why might an update that works on one machine fail on another?

    Answer: Hardware differences such as drivers, RAM, or storage can cause compatibility issues with updates

    Varying hardware components — especially drivers and resource availability — mean an update may behave differently across different machine configurations.

  5. What is the significance of 'Patch Tuesday' in a CTE IT support course?

    Answer: Microsoft's scheduled monthly release of security and other updates for Windows

    Patch Tuesday is Microsoft's second Tuesday monthly cycle for releasing security updates, allowing administrators to plan and schedule deployments.

  6. A CTE student asks why some software updates require a system restart while others do not. The best explanation is:

    Answer: Updates that replace files currently in use by the OS require a restart to complete the swap

    When an update needs to replace locked system files that are actively in use, a restart is required so Windows can swap them safely during boot.

  7. In a CTE course covering system administration, which concept refers to the practice of applying only necessary updates and disabling unused services to minimize vulnerabilities?

    Answer: Hardening

    System hardening involves reducing the attack surface by patching vulnerabilities, disabling unnecessary services, and tightening configurations.