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

2. 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

3. 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

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

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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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)

9. To Minimum Operating Requirements
Questions???
QUESTIONS???
To Minimum Operating Requirements

10. 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

11. 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”.

12. 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!

13. 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

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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. Questions???
QUESTIONS???
Final