MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS, UPDATING WINDOWS SYSTEM, MSE, & PRINTER DRIVERS September 5, 2010

WINDOWS UPDATES Microsoft provides updates for Windows operating system software and Windows-based hardware Updates address known issues and helps protect against known security threats Windows updates should be installed before adding a computer to a network Adds required software like .net framework 3.5

Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) It is strongly recommended that you perform all MSE updates daily (automatic updates) On computer startup, Windows Security Center may give an erroneous message that anti-virus protection is off. Open the WSC window, click on “Change the way Security Center alerts me”, and uncheck Virus protection box. Prevent viruses and malware being created and distributed daily via Internet and external media (CD/downloads/etc) If computer is not connected to Internet ever, be sure that contents of external media are virus free

Security Center Error Message Go to Start/Control Panel/Security Center to get this window. Then click on the resource in the oval.

Security Center Alerts Menu Remove the checkmark in the Virus Protection box

Microsoft Security Essentials Window To get this window, just right-click on the green icon with the check mark at the bottom right of the desktop. Note that the virus protection is on in spite of the message on the Windows Security Center.

PRINTER DRIVERS A brand new printer has drivers on a CD that are already over 1 year old Printer driver updates should be downloaded (could be to flash drive) from manufacturer website prior to every Tax season HP LaserJet 1505p had many issues in 2010 in large part due to out-dated drivers

PRINTER DRIVERS When printer is used in Multiple Locations All USB connected printers should be individually installed on each computer on which it is used (for best results)

To Minimum Operating Requirements Questions??? QUESTIONS??? To Minimum Operating Requirements

MINIMUM OPERATING REQUIREMENTS MINIMUM RECOMMENDED COMPUTER REQUIRMENTS Stand Alone Computer or Network Workstation Server Computer for a Network of up to 4 Computers Server Computer for a Network of 5 to 10 Computers Processor 800 MHz 2 GHz Memory (RAM)‏ 512 MB or more 1 GB or more Available Hard Drive Space 1 GB Operating System Windows XP Pro with latest SP

LOWER POWER COMPUTERS Less powerful computers may be acceptable. If a computer will run the Windows XP SP3 System then it will run TaxWise… performance will suffer to the point where counselors may object. However using a computer is better than preparing returns “by hand”.

ADJUSTMENT TO USE LOWER POWER COMPUTERS It is a local decision to use a lower power computer Windows firewall MUST be running if the computer is ever connected to the Internet. The MSE anti-virus module must be operational if ANY external media is used (external hard drives, flash drives, CDs, floppy disks, etc.), unless there is positive proof that the media is virus free!

BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP Always Backup Data When Using Newer Computers Always Backup Data When Using Older Computers Always Backup Data When Using XP/Vista Always Backup Data When Using Windows 7 ALWAYS BACKUP DATA AS YOU GO! Backup isn’t needed with TWO

To Off Season Storage and Removable Devices Questions??? QUESTIONS??? To Off Season Storage and Removable Devices

Off-season Equipment Storage District responsibility; options: Distributed Storage - individual volunteers Centralized Storage - by Site or District Remove toner cartridges from printers Wrap tightly in black plastic Temperature and humidity guidelines – TMG Avoid floodable floors and hot attics! Allow acclimatization before power on Any rental expense for storage facilities Requires prior approval of SC and RC Subtracted from the state’s new equipment budget

Removable Data Storage Devices What are they? Typically USB-connected Flash Drives a.k.a. flash keys, pen drives, jump drives May be purchased locally Or External Hard Disk Drives May alternatively be Network Attached Storage devices

Using Removable Data Storage Devices Two main uses in Tax-Aide TaxWise program/database installations Storage & transfer of backups Must be encrypted with TrueCrypt if any taxpayer data is stored on them other than backups created by the TaxWise program

Using Removable Data Storage Devices To avoid corruption of Flash Drive upon removal: Click on “Safely Remove Hardware” Icon in System Tray Select USB Device to Remove Physically remove USB Device Repeat this process for ALL USB device removal

Questions??? QUESTIONS??? Final