Home Computer Tips

• Here are tips we recommend to keep your home computer and network in the best shape

Operating System Updates

• 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

• Latest Windows 10 version is 1909. Run winver from the search box to see which version you are running.
• Easiest way to get 1909 is to download the update software at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 and run it.
• After updating to 1909, go to Windows Update and download and install all other updates. You will need to do multiple reboots and checking of Windows Update to ensure all updates are applied.

Windows 7

• 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.

Virus Scanning

Windows 10

• 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

• 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

• We do not see a need to have a virus scanner on OS X.
• If you do prefer to have one, we recommended Sophos, https://home.sophos.com/en-us.aspx

Video Conferencing

• If you plan on doing video conferencing, it is highly recommended to use an ethernet (cable) connection instead of wireless. This will not interfere with other wireless devices especially streaming TVs and Rokus.

Unused Software

• 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

• 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 and ATT) 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 could be the default username/password. The default will usually be admin/admin, admin/password. If not those, 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.