Before touching packages, audit your OS. Oracle 12c client (12.1.0.2) was compiled against older glibc.

Installs the client tools and network utilities but omits management tools.

After installing the binaries, you must configure connectivity. 1. Configure TNSNames.ora

Verify that your Oracle Home bin directory path (e.g., C:\app\client\ \product\12.2.0\client_1\bin ) is listed at the top. If not, add it manually.

You will be asked to specify the Oracle Base (e.g., C:\app\client\oracle\product\12.1.0\client_1 ). The Software Location will automatically fill in based on your Oracle Base choice.