1. And Off-Season Storage
2017 Recommended Updates
And Off-Season Storage
2017 SMT/TCS Training - Dallas

2. What Needs to be Updated?
Microsoft Windows operating system
Anti-virus and anti-malware software
Printer drivers
Adobe Flash and Adobe Reader
2017 SMT/TCS Training - Dallas

3. 2017 SMT/TCS Training - Dallas
Windows Updates
Microsoft provides updates for Windows OS software and Windows-based hardware, usually on second Tuesday each month (“Patch Tuesday”)
Resolves known issues and protects against known security threats
Updates required software such as:
Microsoft .net framework (latest version)
Printer drivers
Wireless network card drivers
Updates should be installed to a computer before adding the computer to any network
2017 SMT/TCS Training - Dallas

4. 2017 SMT/TCS Training - Dallas
Windows Updates Tips
Tax-Aide images include Windows updates through the date of the image; additional updating will be necessary
Computers not used for many months will require lots of time to update – re-image to save time
Automatic Windows updates should be enabled for all Important updates – these will download in background and be installed when computer is shut down
Run Windows Update manually if desired to download and install Optional updates
2017 SMT/TCS Training - Dallas

5. Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE)
Recommended for all Win 7 computers used in Tax-Aide
Pre-loaded on the Tax-Aide Windows 7 images
Frequently updated to ensure protection with the latest technology
Genuine Windows license must be activated to install MSE
For details, see One Support document Anti-Virus Program for Tax-Aide Computers
2017 SMT/TCS Training - Dallas

6. Windows Defender For Windows 10
Replaces Microsoft Security Essentials on Win 8 and Win 10 systems
Pre-loaded on the Tax-Aide Windows 10 images
Operation is very similar to MSE
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7. 2017 SMT/TCS Training - Dallas
Printer Drivers
A brand new printer has drivers on a CD that are already over 1 year old
Check for driver updates and download latest version (to flash drive) from manufacturer website prior to every tax season
See Printer Driver Downloads link in Favorites of Tax-Aide Image OR Print Drivers for Tax Aide Guide in One Support>Technology>Networking)
Update Firmware of Printer if indicated on manufacturer website
2017 SMT/TCS Training - Dallas

8. Adobe/Acrobat Reader Updates
Adobe or Acrobat Reader is required by TSO for PDF documents
Acrobat Reader DC is included with Tax-Aide images
Updates are usually issued on Patch Tuesday
Some out-of-cycle updates when severe vulnerabilities are discovered
Best to allow Acrobat Reader to automatically install updates
Updates occur in background, unobtrusive
Acrobat DC Updater should automatically check for and install updates
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9. Adobe Reader Updates – IRS Equipment
Older version Adobe Reader XI may be installed on IRS image
Not configured to update automatically and no way to change update settings
Can install Adobe Reader DC instead:
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10. 2017 SMT/TCS Training - Dallas
Adobe Flash Updates
Adobe Flash is required to view the TaxSlayer help videos
Installed as part of Tax-Aide Windows 7 images for Internet Explorer 11
Windows Edge browsers in Windows 10 have Flash built in and automatically updates it as part of browser update
Chrome browser can be installed if desired – it also has Flash built in and auto-updated
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11. Adobe Flash Updates – How To
Internet Explorer: Flash updates must be performed manually (except for Win 8 and 10 machines). Go to this page to check Flash version and access updates:
Google Chrome & Windows Edge: Flash is built into these browsers and automatically updated when Chrome & Edge updates are distributed, but users can also use site above to check version and manually install updates if desired
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12. Computer Security Info Krebs on Security Blog
An excellent source of information on software vulnerabilities and available updates
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13. Software & Driver Updates
Questions ???
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14. Off-season Equipment Storage
Districts are responsible for the adequate storage of their equipment. Some options:
Distributed Storage - individual volunteers
Centralized Volunteer Storage - by Site or District
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15. Off-season Equipment Storage Tips
Remove toner cartridges from printers before storing
Wrap tightly in black plastic, e.g., a garbage bag
Temperature and humidity guidelines: See One Support document: Technology>Equipment>Equipment Purchasing, Repair, and Storage
Avoid floodable floors, freezing/hot attics, bare cement, etc.
Allow equipment to reach close to room temperature before powering on
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16. 2017 SMT/TCS Training - Dallas
Are There Any More?
Questions ???
2017 SMT/TCS Training - Dallas