What is the best approach for a system administrator to avoid downtime while installing a new software package with many dependencies?

Choosing to deploy the software in a sandbox is an effective strategy for avoiding downtime while installing a new software package with extensive dependencies. A sandbox environment allows system administrators to test and validate the software installation without impacting the live production system. This approach provides a controlled setting where the administrator can observe how the software interacts with existing applications and services, troubleshoot potential issues, and ensure that all dependencies are met before rolling it out in the production environment.

By using a sandbox, the administrator can also verify the functionality and stability of the software, making any necessary adjustments or configurations in a safe space. This proactive method minimizes the risk of introducing bugs or failures into the production environment that could lead to service interruptions, ultimately ensuring smoother deployment and continuity of service once the software is ready to be moved into production.

The other options do not effectively address the need to prevent downtime. Deploying the software directly to production could lead to unexpected conflicts with existing systems or functionalities. Uninstalling the application software and uninstalling software updates could disrupt existing operations and also pose risks to system security and functionality. Therefore, utilizing a sandbox for testing new installations is a best practice in system administration.