Windows

Overview

Typical service outcome, from 5/3/13 service call from Michael Hint, after installing the requested software:

While on the machine, I also updated Acrobat, Firefox, Identity Finder, Sketchup, Filezilla, and Symantec Antivirus. I removed Java as it is a security risk. I updated your laptop's motherboard software and removed some unnecessary network wires from your desk.

Update

• Adobe Acrobat/Reader
• Adobe Flash
• FireFox
• Symantec AV

Java:

• Remove if not needed, especially if obsolete (dangerous if left).
  • For example, in Fall'13, version 6 would be asking for trouble!
• If required, either install managed Java, or stand-alone Java. Known needs in Research:
  • SciFinder Scholar; the "fat" version needs it.
  • Some instrument machines.

Remove

• Obsolete Java, unless there is a need for java for an application. In which case we push the current version to the computer.

Specific

Log out of user account and into Admin account

Run Windows Update (enter "update" in Run command, for example). Pull in just Important Updates, not Optional Updates.

• In Windows, this covers MS Office software updates and IE, too.

Run Apple Software Update. Pull in just Updates, not New Software.

(Alternative: Use File Updater from FileHippo.com to check for freeware updates)

Oracle Java

(Remove, if possible. See above.)

Go to Java.com. Press Free Java download. Click on "See all Java downloads." (Not the "Agree and Start Free Download" button!)

Select Windows Offline (32-bit). You may also need Windows Offline (64-bit).

Adobe Flash

Control Panel -> Programs -> Programs and Features (click on Uninstall a program to get this last folder)

Control Panel\Programs\Programs and Features

You will see both Flash Player Plug-in and Flash Player ActiveX installed.

Adobe Flash Player, Flash Plug-in, and Flash ActiveX

Tip: Current Versions of Flash  will auto-update; check File Hippo before manually updating

Tip: Do these updates within FF and for ActiceX won't have to quit IE's browser.

http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/

Select, "Do you have a different operating system or browser?". Select Win 7. Then select:

FlashPlayer 11 for Other Browsers

KEY: De-select software being pushed! (Chrome, McAfee, etc.). If do my mistake, cancel, then agree to continue just with application. Extra apps will cancel, but Flash Player resumes downloading/ installing.

Then repeat, but choose:

FlashPlayer 11 for Internet Explorer (this is for the ActiveX version; ActiveX is MS's tech; IE only)

KEY: De-select software being pushed! (Chrome, McAfee, etc.). If do my mistake, cancel, then agree to continue just with application. Extra apps will cancel, but Flash Player resumes downloading/ installing.

Adobe hard to deal with

Adobe's idea of facilitating the deployment of installs and updates within an org. is licensing and local hosting if not using SCCM?! See:

http://www.adobe.com/products/players/flash-player-distribution.html

Adobe PDF Reader

To Update:  Help -> Check for Updates

=> Choose "Manually update (not recommended)". Otherwise user account bugged all the time and there is no updating that can be done within that account!

Browser Plugins

Mozilla 

Update plugins:

http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/plugincheck/