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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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 Page 4 of 6 [email protected] 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 [email protected] System Requirements for TaxWise November 2010 CCH Recommended and Minimum Requirements for TaxWise 2010 For professional results, we recommend the following for TaxWise products: 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 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]