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System Requirements for TaxWise
November 2010
Introduction
This document provides system recommendations for both TaxWise Online (TWO) and TaxWise
Desktop (TWD).
TaxWise Online 2010 (TWO) Minimum requirements:
800MHz Processor
Windows XP Home or Professional Edition, (with the latest Service Pack)
512 MB of RAM
Mouse
1024 X 768 Super VGA color monitor with 16-bit color video card
Broadband Internet Access (TaxWise recommends a minimum speed of 800 kilobits/sec)
Adobe Reader (version 8.1 or higher)
PCL6 compatible printer
Internet Explorer 7.0 (with latest service pack)
Required Browser Settings:
Security Level: Medium
JavaScript: Enabled
Download Files: Enabled
Note: The site and/or computer being used for TWO should have a firewall installed, configured and
running as well as antivirus software.
Minimum requirements provide adequate performance for many users, depending on computer
configuration. While TaxWise may run on configurations with fewer resources, we cannot guarantee
performance will meet volunteer expectations.
AARP Tax-Aide
National Technology Committee
Page 1 of 6
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System Requirements for TaxWise
November 2010
TaxWise 2010 Desktop (TWD) Minimum Requirements:
These recommendations reflect Counselor experience, the growing complexity of Windows software,
minimum requirements specified and recommendations by CCH for TaxWise™ (See Note 1).
A
SUGGESTED
MINIMUM
COMPUTER
REQUIREMENTS
See Note 2
Network
Workstation.
or
Stand Alone
computer*
*only if nothing
else is available
B
C
D
Stand Alone
Computer
Server Computer
Server Computer
or
for a Network of
for a Network of
Network
Workstation
up to 4 Computers
5 to 10 Computers
1 GHz or faster
1.5 GHz or faster
500 MHz or faster.
800 MHz or faster
See Note 2
See Note 3
256 MB or more
512 MB or more
512 MB or more
1 GB or more
Available FREE
Hard Drive Space
1 GB
1 GB
1 GB
1 GB
Operating System
. Windows XP
Home or
Professional with
Service Pack 3
Windows XP Home
or Professional with
Service Pack 3
Windows XP
Professional with
Service Pack 3
Windows XP
Professional with
Service Pack 3
Processor
Memory (RAM)
Video Display
Super VGA 1024 X 768, high color/16 bit or better
NOTES:
1. This information does not apply to computers running the Windows Vista or the Windows 7
operating systems, as these operating systems requires considerably more power.
2. Using a computer with a slow processor (between 266 MHz and 500 MHz) will result in
noticeably slow performance in TaxWise™, but TaxWise™ will run.
3. 800MHz is the recommended minimum published by CCH for running TaxWise™. However if
using a slower computer PLEASE DO NOT CALL TaxWise™ support to ask what can be done
to improve performance. The answer will always be – use a more powerful computer.
AARP Tax-Aide
National Technology Committee
Page 2 of 6
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System Requirements for TaxWise
November 2010
4. The hard drive size noted is the amount of free space needed for installing one year of
TaxWise™.
64-Bit Computers
TaxWise 2009 and later will run on 64-bit computers. However, driver software for printers and other
peripherals may not be readily available for these machines. Neither AARP nor the IRS is expected to
provide any 64-bit computers for the coming tax season. If you intend to use 64-bit computers be sure
you have printers that have 64-bit drivers available. It is recommended to use the 32 bit IE8 if using
TWO.
Site-Host’s Equipment
At some sites the host organization allows AARP Tax-Aide volunteers to use the organization’s
equipment for tax preparation and e-filing. Every precaution must be taken to prevent unauthorized
access to taxpayer data. Encrypted flash drives or external hard drives must be used to avoid having any
taxpayer data on a host computer when using the desktop version of TaxWise™. TaxWise Online
(TWO) is a highly recommended use for host site computers and provides a very secure operating
environment because no taxpayer data is stored on the computer. All computers used for TWO must
have a firewall and up to date antivirus software installed. Wireless use of site provided computers is
permitted for TWO only. See the separate Wireless TWO documents for specific requirements and the
required security scan instructions.
Donated Equipment, Supplies and Services
Volunteers are encouraged to seek donations of computer equipment and/or related supplies and services
from business, firms, and individuals. All donated equipment becomes the property of AARP Tax-Aide.
Forms for accepting donations can be found under the Forms Tab on the Extranet.
Donated computers should meet at least the minimum hardware requirements for stand-alone computers
as noted above. It is recognized that some donated computers might not be in operating condition (some
donors may, for example, remove and destroy the hard drive). Donated equipment that meets the
minimum standard should be returned to operating state at minimal cost to the program. Amounts spent
must not exceed those noted under Equipment Repair. See Operating Systems and Other Software, for
information about TechSoup and obtaining new operating systems, if they are required.
Donated and loaned computers that meet current AARP Tax-Aide minimum specifications should be
included in the equipment inventory.
Loaned Equipment
It is not unusual for some businesses to have used or excess computers, including laptops, which they
may be willing to lend to AARP Tax-Aide for the tax season. Banks, community colleges, hospitals and
other civic-minded institutions will often allow AARP Tax-Aide to use spare computer equipment as
part of their public services programs. Loaned and personal equipment is included on the last page of the
annual inventory report. But only the total quantity of this equipment is required from each state. (see
Equipment and Inventory Reporting documents).
AARP Tax-Aide
National Technology Committee
Page 3 of 6
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System Requirements for TaxWise
November 2010
Equipment Application
Because equipment comes from different sources and may be used in different ways in the AARP-TaxAide program, it must be treated differently. The following table summarizes various uses and
corresponding software requirements:
AARP Tax-Aide
National Technology Committee
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System Requirements for TaxWise
November 2010
OVERVIEW OF TAX-AIDE COMPUTER SOURCES, USES, and UPDATES (1)
COMPUTER
SOURCE
IRS-owned
(Depot
computer
loan
program)
AARP
purchased,
or
donated
VolunteerOwned or
Loaned
Site-owned
COMPUTER
USE
Stand Alone
Transmitting
TW Server
TW Work
Station
TWO
TW Stand
Alone
USAGE POLICY &
RECOMMENDATIONS
OK
OK
Not recommended (5)
ANTIVIRUS
SOFTWARE
UPDATES
(2)
Not Required
Required
Required
OK
OK
Not Required
Required
Recommended
Required
No
No
OK
Not Required
Recommended
Yes
Transmitting
TW Server
TW Work
Station
TWO
TW Stand
Alone
TW
Transmitting
TW Server
TW Work
Station
TWO
TW Stand
Alone
OK
OK
Required
Required
Recommended
Recommended
Yes
Yes
OK
OK
Not Required
Required
Recommended
Required
No
No
OK
Required
Recommended
Yes
Not recommended (6)
Not recommended (6)
Required
Required
Recommended
Recommended
Yes
Yes
OK
OK
TaxWise Data on External
Drive
TaxWise Data on External
Drive
TaxWise Data on External
Drive
Required
Required
Recommended
Required
No
No
Not Required
Recommended
Yes
Required
Recommended
Yes
Required
Not
Required
Required
Recommended
Yes
Recommended
Required
No
No
Transmitting
TW Server
TW Work
Station
TWO
OK
OK
XP SP 3, IE 7.0
ADOBE READER
8.1.2+ or higher
(3)
Recommended
Recommended
Recommended
TRUECRYPT
REQUIRED
(4)
No
No
No
NOTES:
1. Updated printer drivers, and software and hardware updates from computer
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
manufacturers should be installed on all computers used by AARP Tax-Aide. Correct
time zone, date and time should be set.
MSE or equivalent antivirus software are required on all computers used for tax returns,
Updating during tax season required by use as shown. MSE Antivirus software required
on all AARP purchased and donated computers.
These updates are recommended by CCH but may not be necessary.
TrueCrypt must be used on AARP purchased or donated computers where specified.
TrueCrypt or a National Office approved equitant can be used on other computers.
Not recommended because of potential lost of use due to SecureDoc software.
Not recommended because of potential difficulty in handing over the ERO job or the
transmitting/server computer in mid-season, if necessary.
AARP Tax-Aide
National Technology Committee
Page 5 of 6
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System Requirements for TaxWise
November 2010
CCH Recommended and Minimum Requirements for TaxWise 2010
For professional results, we recommend the following for TaxWise products:
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Microsoft Windows XP (32-bit or 64-bit, with the latest service pack) or Windows Vista
(SP2 or higher, 32-bit or 64-bit) , Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit)
2.0 GHz processor or higher
2 GB or more of RAM
1 GB of available hard drive space (per tax year)
32X speed or higher CD-ROM Drive
Super VGA 1024 x 768, High Color/16 Bit display or higher
Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 (with the latest service pack)
A high-speed Internet connection (DSL, cable modem, or T1/T3)
A file backup system (backup tape, removable hard drive, CD-R, DVD-R, or similar)
PCL6 compatible printer
Ethernet network card (required for network installations only)
Adobe Reader (version 8.1 or higher)
For the best printing results, use a laser printer. Ink jet printers can be used but they may print
slowly. A laser printer is required for printing W-2 and 1099 Forms with TaxWise W-2/1099
and Payroll Compliance Reporting programs.
Minimum System Requirements for TaxWise Products for TaxWise 2010
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
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Microsoft Windows XP (32-bit only with the latest service pack)
800 MHz processor
512 MB of RAM
1 GB of available hard drive space (per tax year)
8X speed CD-ROM
800 X 600 color monitor with 16-bit color video card
Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 (with the latest service pack)
56K Internet connection (Internet access required)
PCL6 compatible printer. A laser printer is required for printing W-2 and 1099 Forms
with TaxWise W-2/1099 and Payroll Compliance Reporting programs.
Ethernet network card (required for network installations only)
Adobe Reader (version 8.1 or higher)
Notes: Tax Year 2008 programs require a 32-bit operating system. Tax Year 2009 and later will
run on either 32-bit or 64-bit OS. Minimum requirements provide adequate performance for many users
depending on computer configuration. While TaxWise may run on configurations with fewer resources, we cannot
guarantee performance or capability.
AARP Tax-Aide
National Technology Committee
Page 6 of 6
[email protected]