Final answer:
A time mismatch error can cause security certificates and sometimes Windows login processes to malfunction because they rely on accurate time for security checks. Event logging and program installation are less sensitive to time mismatches.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question addresses the issue of time mismatch errors affecting the functionality of computer systems and applications. In particular, it asks which of the following will not function properly if there is a time mismatch error:
- Event logging
- Security certificates
- Program installation
- Windows login
The correct answer is b) Security certificates. Security certificates rely heavily on accurate timestamps to validate trustworthiness. If there is a time mismatch, certificates may appear expired or invalid when they are not, leading to security warnings or blocks in access to websites and services. Additionally, Windows login processes can be sensitive to time mismatches, as the system may interpret the discrepancy as a potential security breach. However, event logging and program installation are generally less sensitive to time mismatches and can often function even when system time is incorrect, albeit with potential issues in timestamps or installation scheduling.