MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS, UPDATING WINDOWS SYSTEM, MSE, & PRINTER DRIVERS

1NTC/TCS Training Dallas 2010

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS, UPDATING WINDOWS SYSTEM, MSE, & PRINTER DRIVERS

September 5, 2010

2 NTC/TCS Training Dallas 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

3 NTC/TCS Training Dallas 2010

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 NTC/TCS Training Dallas 2010

Security Center Error Message

5 NTC/TCS Training Dallas 2010

Security Center Alerts Menu

6 NTC/TCS Training Dallas 2010

Microsoft Security Essentials Window

7 NTC/TCS Training Dallas 2010

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 NTC/TCS Training Dallas 2010

PRINTER DRIVERSWhen 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 NTC/TCS Training Dallas 2010

Questions???

10 NTC/TCS Training Dallas 2010

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 2 GHz

Memory (RAM) 512 MB or more 512 MB or more 1 GB or more

Available Hard Drive Space

1 GB 1 GB 1 GB

Operating System Windows XP Pro

with latest SPWindows XP Pro with latest SP

Windows XP Pro with latest SP

11 NTC/TCS Training Dallas 2010

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 NTC/TCS Training Dallas 2010

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 NTC/TCS Training Dallas 2010

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

BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP

14 NTC/TCS Training Dallas 2010

Questions???

15 NTC/TCS Training Dallas 2010

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 NTC/TCS Training Dallas 2010

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 NTC/TCS Training Dallas 2010

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 NTC/TCS Training Dallas 2010

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 NTC/TCS Training Dallas 2010

Questions???