Which of the following steps is necessary when deploying vCenter Server using the vCenter Server GUI Installer?

When deploying vCenter Server using the vCenter Server GUI Installer, connecting to the target ESXi host or vCenter Server system is a vital initial step. This connection is necessary because the installer needs to know where to deploy the vCenter Server instance and facilitate the configuration process. Once connected, the installation can proceed with setting up the vCenter Server and integrating it with the selected ESXi host or existing vCenter environment.

The other options are not prerequisites for the deployment process. While deciding on backup frequency is essential for operational planning, it does not directly affect the installation of vCenter Server itself. Configuring advanced security settings and generating usage reports are tasks that are typically addressed after the deployment is complete and are part of ongoing management and maintenance rather than initial installation. Therefore, connecting to the target host or system stands out as a necessary step in the installation process.