If a technician finds a critical firmware update is available, what should be the BEST course of action?

In the scenario where a critical firmware update is available, testing it on a non-production server is the best course of action because it minimizes risk to the production environment. Non-production servers are typically set up to replicate the load and configurations of production systems without affecting live operations. This allows the technician to identify any potential issues that could arise from the update, ensuring that the deployment in the production environment is safe and stable.

Testing on a virtual machine also has its merits, as it allows for isolated testing without impacting actual hardware. However, it may not fully replicate the environmental factors present in a production server. Non-production servers, on the other hand, can provide a more accurate representation of how the firmware might behave in a real-world scenario. By using a non-production server for testing, issues can be identified and addressed before any potential downtime or data loss in the production system occurs. This careful approach helps maintain system integrity and operational continuity.