Difference between revisions of "Home Computer Tips"
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= Operating System Updates = | = Operating System Updates = | ||
| − | * In order to connect to campus services such as | + | * In order to connect to campus services such as '''Remote Desktop''', '''VPN''', and '''Skype for Business''', having the latest Windows updates is essential. |
== Windows 10 == | == Windows 10 == | ||
| − | *Latest Windows 10 version is 1909. Use | + | *Latest Windows 10 version is 1909. Use '''winver''' to see which version you are running. |
*To update download [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10] | *To update download [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10] | ||
| − | *Go to | + | *Go to '''Windows Update''' and download and install all updates. You will need to do multiple reboots and checking of '''Windows Update''' to ensure all updates are applied. |
== Windows 7 == | == Windows 7 == | ||
*Windows 7 is no longer supported by Microsoft. You can still download any updates that have not been applied yet. | *Windows 7 is no longer supported by Microsoft. You can still download any updates that have not been applied yet. | ||
| − | *Go to | + | *Go to '''Windows Update''' and download and install all updates. You will need to do multiple reboots and checking of '''Windows Update''' to ensure all updates are applied. |
== OS X == | == OS X == | ||
| Line 19: | Line 19: | ||
* Uninstall any other virus scanning software so that Windows Defender will work its best. Sometimes trial versions of McAffee, Sophos, Norton, and others get installed. Uninstall them too. | * Uninstall any other virus scanning software so that Windows Defender will work its best. Sometimes trial versions of McAffee, Sophos, Norton, and others get installed. Uninstall them too. | ||
== Windows 7 == | == Windows 7 == | ||
| − | * There is no | + | * There is no per-installed Virus scanner. Microsoft offers ```Microsoft Security Essentials``` for free. This is the recommended software to install. [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=5201 https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=5201] |
* Uninstall any other virus scanning software so that ```Windows Security Essentials``` will work its best. Sometimes trial versions of McAffee, Sophos, Norton, and others get installed. Uninstall them too. | * Uninstall any other virus scanning software so that ```Windows Security Essentials``` will work its best. Sometimes trial versions of McAffee, Sophos, Norton, and others get installed. Uninstall them too. | ||
== OS X == | == OS X == | ||
| Line 30: | Line 30: | ||
* If you purchased your own wireless router (non-Comcast) you can usually get to the admin interface by going to [http://192.168.0.1 http://192.168.0.1] or [http://192.168.1.1 http://192.168.1.1] from your home computer. | * If you purchased your own wireless router (non-Comcast) you can usually get to the admin interface by going to [http://192.168.0.1 http://192.168.0.1] or [http://192.168.1.1 http://192.168.1.1] from your home computer. | ||
* The username and password will be set either to its default. The default will usually be admin/admin, admin/password. You can search google for the default username/password. You might have set a username/password when you setup your wireless router. | * The username and password will be set either to its default. The default will usually be admin/admin, admin/password. You can search google for the default username/password. You might have set a username/password when you setup your wireless router. | ||
| − | * If there is an update feature in the admin section, apply any updates. If you have to download manually, you can go to the | + | * If there is an update feature in the admin section, apply any updates. If you have to download manually, you can go to the manufacturer's website and download the firmware file manually. |
Revision as of 14:35, 15 March 2020
Contents
- Here are tips we recommend to keep your home computer and network in the best shape
Operating System Updates[edit]
- In order to connect to campus services such as Remote Desktop, VPN, and Skype for Business, having the latest Windows updates is essential.
Windows 10[edit]
- Latest Windows 10 version is 1909. Use winver to see which version you are running.
- To update download https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
- Go to Windows Update and download and install all updates. You will need to do multiple reboots and checking of Windows Update to ensure all updates are applied.
Windows 7[edit]
- Windows 7 is no longer supported by Microsoft. You can still download any updates that have not been applied yet.
- Go to Windows Update and download and install all updates. You will need to do multiple reboots and checking of Windows Update to ensure all updates are applied.
OS X[edit]
Virus Scanning[edit]
Windows 10[edit]
- We recommended the built in Windows Defender. This is not intrusive and is rated the best at finding viruses.
- Uninstall any other virus scanning software so that Windows Defender will work its best. Sometimes trial versions of McAffee, Sophos, Norton, and others get installed. Uninstall them too.
Windows 7[edit]
- There is no per-installed Virus scanner. Microsoft offers ```Microsoft Security Essentials``` for free. This is the recommended software to install. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=5201
- Uninstall any other virus scanning software so that ```Windows Security Essentials``` will work its best. Sometimes trial versions of McAffee, Sophos, Norton, and others get installed. Uninstall them too.
OS X[edit]
Unused Software[edit]
- You should uninstall any software that you do not use on the computer. Especially any toolbars or plugins such as Yahoo Search plugins. These cause browsers to run slower and are vectors for viruses to come in.
Wireless Router =[edit]
- You should ensure your wireless router has the latest firmware installed for maximum reliability and security.
- If you purchased your own wireless router (non-Comcast) you can usually get to the admin interface by going to http://192.168.0.1 or http://192.168.1.1 from your home computer.
- The username and password will be set either to its default. The default will usually be admin/admin, admin/password. You can search google for the default username/password. You might have set a username/password when you setup your wireless router.
- If there is an update feature in the admin section, apply any updates. If you have to download manually, you can go to the manufacturer's website and download the firmware file manually.
