What are the two most common methods for installing an operating system?

The selection of direct download and disk as the two most common methods for installing an operating system highlights the contemporary practices of software distribution.

Direct download involves obtaining the operating system files via the internet, allowing users to quickly access the latest versions and updates without needing physical media. This method is efficient and increasingly popular, especially as broadband internet access expands, providing users with a straightforward way to install operating systems directly onto their devices.

On the other hand, using a disk remains a traditional method. Although physical media like CDs, DVDs, or USB drives may seem less common with the rise of digital downloads, many users still rely on this method, especially in environments where internet access may be limited or where the installation of an operating system must adhere to specific protocols or policies.

The other options either refer to methods that are not as widely used or to formats that are more specialized. For instance, physical copy and remote installation may depend on specific scenarios or external hardware, and while virtual machines and CD-ROMs do serve specific purposes, they do not reflect the primary methods for installing operating systems across a broad user base.