CompTIA IT Fundamentals: Understanding ''x86.exe'

Understanding ''x86.exe'

Question

A computer user is downloading software from the Internet and notices the following at the end of the install file: ''x86.exe'

Which of the following statements BEST represents what the ''x86.exe' means in the installation file?

Answers

Explanations

Click on the arrows to vote for the correct answer

A. B. C. D.

A.

The "x86" in the installation file name refers to a specific CPU architecture type that the software is designed to run on. Historically, x86 referred to a family of Intel CPU architectures that started with the Intel 8086 processor, which was introduced in 1978. Today, the x86 architecture is still used in many personal computers and servers.

Answer A suggests that x86 only supports 32-bit CPU architecture, which is partially correct. However, it is not complete, since x86 also supports 64-bit CPU architecture. Answer C, on the other hand, suggests that x86 only supports a 64-bit CPU architecture, which is incorrect.

Answer B is the best answer as it correctly states that x86 supports installation on both 32-bit and 64-bit CPU architectures. This is important information because different CPU architectures have different instruction sets and capabilities, and software designed for one architecture may not run on another.

Answer D is incorrect because x86 does not support installation on a 16-bit CPU architecture. 16-bit CPUs were commonly used in older computers but are now obsolete.

In summary, the correct answer to the question is B.