hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1102 Practice Question: Install a new accounting application on a user's…
A technician is asked to install a new accounting application on a user's computer. The user mentions that a coworker told them the software is known to cause conflicts with antivirus programs. What should the technician do?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the candidate's ability to balance user input with professional verification, trapping those who either dismiss user concerns outright or take risky shortcuts like disabling security software.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Research the software's compatibility with the antivirus and test in a sandbox if possible.
The technician must validate the user's concern through proper research rather than dismissing it. Checking the software's documented compatibility with the specific antivirus program and testing in an isolated sandbox environment prevents potential system instability or security bypasses without risking the production system.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Ignore the user's comment because it is hearsay and proceed with the installation.
Why it's wrong here
Ignoring a user's comment, even if perceived as indirect or 'hearsay,' is poor practice because it dismisses a potential early warning sign of system instability or software conflicts. A responsible technician should always investigate reported concerns, as user input often provides valuable context that can prevent significant issues during or after an installation. Dismissing such information without verification can lead to unexpected problems and erode user trust.
- ✓
Research the software's compatibility with the antivirus and test in a sandbox if possible.
Why this is correct
Researching software compatibility with existing antivirus solutions and testing in a sandbox environment is the most professional and thorough approach. This proactive measure ensures that the new accounting software will not conflict with critical security software, preventing system instability, data corruption, or security vulnerabilities. A sandbox provides an isolated testing ground, minimizing risk to the production system before full deployment.
- ✗
Disable the antivirus temporarily and install the software.
Why it's wrong here
Temporarily disabling antivirus software creates a significant security vulnerability, exposing the system to malware, ransomware, and other threats during the installation process. This action prioritizes convenience over robust security practices, which is unacceptable in a professional IT environment. A technician should never compromise system security without a clear, justified, and thoroughly vetted reason, especially when safer alternatives exist.
- ✗
Tell the user that the coworker is mistaken and install the software anyway.
Why it's wrong here
Dismissing a user's concern by telling them their coworker is mistaken and proceeding with installation is unprofessional and damages user trust. It demonstrates a lack of respect for user input and can lead to serious issues if a conflict does arise, making the technician appear incompetent. Effective IT support relies on open communication and validating user concerns, not on immediate dismissal or contradiction.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Windows Security Features
Key term
Antivirus
Antivirus is software that detects, prevents, and removes malicious software (malware) from a computer or network.
Key term
Sandbox
A sandbox is an isolated environment where you can run software or test code without affecting the rest of your system.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1202 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1202 exam.