Notes by ChemIT staff from when we updated computers, including classroom computers. Nice reminders, gotchas, etc. related to updating computers. Mostly for use by ChemIT staff, but others may also find this info useful. |
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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.
Caution: Please don't update this yourself if it's centrally managed by ChemIT!
By default these applications are not installed on ChemIT's Windows image. They are only installed (via group policy) on request.
Key: These are maintained by ChemIT's group policy. Therefore, do not try to update them by hand!
One can force updating the system's group policies via CMD:
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If iTunes, QuickTime, or other Apple software installed, run Apple Software Update. Pull in just Updates, not New Software.
(Alternative: Use File Updater from FileHippo.com to check for freeware updates)
Only if computer not managed using ChemIT's infrastructure (how detect?), and for newly installed imaged machine:
Run Windows Update (enter "update" in Run command, for example). Pull in just Important Updates, not Optional Updates.
(Remove, if possible. See above.)
ChemIT updates Java, if installed and managed by ChemIT (how detect?). Thus, not need to manually update this software.
If Windows machine not managed by ChemIT (how detect?):
To check software versions installed:
You will see both Flash Player Plug-in and Flash Player ActiveX installed, and their versions.
Tip: Current Versions of Flash will auto-update; check File Hippo before manually updating. (Oliver found this NOT to be true for version upgrades, 1/8/15.)
Tip: Do these updates within FF. Otherwise, if using IE, ActiveX's version will require you to quit IE's browser.
Select, "Do you have a different operating system or browser?". Select Win 7. Then select:
FlashPlayer 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 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's idea of facilitating the deployment of installs and updates within an org. is licensing and local hosting if not using SCCM?! (As of fall 2014, at least.) See:
http://www.adobe.com/products/players/flash-player-distribution.html
To Update, open Reader. Then, select 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!
Update plugins:
http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/plugincheck/
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