Desktop Application Desktop Application Installation & Configuration 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'portable application' in the context of desktop software?
- An application that runs without installation and stores settings alongside its executable (Correct answer)
- An application designed for touchscreen devices
- A mobile version of a desktop program
- An app that syncs data across devices via the cloud
Correct answer: An application that runs without installation and stores settings alongside its executable
Portable applications run directly from a folder or USB drive without modifying the system registry or requiring installation.
Question 2: Which Windows feature allows users to install applications without administrator privileges from a trusted store?
- Microsoft Store / MSIX packages (Correct answer)
- Group Policy
- Windows Defender
- UAC (User Account Control)
Correct answer: Microsoft Store / MSIX packages
MSIX packages distributed through the Microsoft Store can be installed by standard users without admin rights.
Question 3: What does UAC (User Account Control) do when a desktop application requires elevated privileges?
- Displays a consent prompt asking for administrator confirmation (Correct answer)
- Automatically grants the application admin rights
- Blocks the application from running permanently
- Logs the request to Windows Event Viewer only
Correct answer: Displays a consent prompt asking for administrator confirmation
UAC presents a consent or credential prompt to prevent unauthorized programs from making system-wide changes.
Question 4: What is the function of a .ini configuration file in legacy desktop applications?
- To store application settings in a simple key-value text format (Correct answer)
- To initialize the application's database connection
- To register the application with the operating system
- To list the application's dependencies
Correct answer: To store application settings in a simple key-value text format
INI files use sections and key=value pairs to store application configuration in a human-readable plain text format.
Question 5: Which technology allows desktop applications on Windows to be automatically updated without user intervention?
- ClickOnce or built-in auto-updater (Correct answer)
- Windows Update exclusively
- Manual patching only
- Scheduled Task reinstalls
Correct answer: ClickOnce or built-in auto-updater
ClickOnce and custom auto-updaters check for new versions on launch and silently download and apply updates.
Question 6: What is a 'dependency' in the context of installing a desktop application?
- A required library or runtime the application needs to function correctly (Correct answer)
- An optional plugin for additional features
- A backup copy of the application files
- A shortcut created during installation
Correct answer: A required library or runtime the application needs to function correctly
Dependencies are external libraries or runtimes (e.g., .NET, Visual C++ Redistributable) that an application requires to run.
Desktop Application Desktop Application Installation & Configuration 2
What is a 'portable application' in the context of desktop software?