Computing

Make sure to configure from within the intended user account as several settings only affect the current user.

System

New Computers

• Name and label computer

• Add to it:Desktop List

• Add static DHCP entry

• Add computer to DNS

Existing Computers

* Match **Full computer name**  with hostname, change ***Workgroup** *  to **//NCEAS// **
* Run [\\files\pup\customizations\Win_7_open_firewall_etc.bat](\\files\pup\customizations\Win_7_open_firewall_etc) as administrator
  * Enables standard ping
  * Enables the **Administrator**  account
  * Opens ports for Spiceworks
  * Disables Skype from becoming a supernode
* If **User must change password at next login**  is enabled, stop or change password expiration
  * **net accounts /maxpwage:** *{1 – 999 | unlimited}*
* Set up [NCEAS Printers](/NCEAS/Computing/printers.html) LJ6, LJ4 (& LJ1 or LJ8 if in vicinity)
* Remove **Fax**  printer and **Microsoft XPS Document Writer**
* Show file extensions
* Show file details and apply setting to all folders
* Set NCEAS logo as desktop background
* Desktop → **View → Small icons**
* Enable desktop **Auto arrange icons**
* Show all icons in notification area
* Set up [ network backup](it/desktop_backups#setup_instructions)
* [ Map network drives](/NCEAS/Computing/mount_your_home_directory.html) **Homes** and **Scientist**

Apps

• Pin the following programs to the Taskbar
  • Windows Explorer (should already be there)
  • Firefox
  • Chrome
  • Word
  • Excel
  • PowerPoint
  • R
  • RStudio
  • Matlab

• Set Firefox as the default browser

• Firefox -> Options -> General
  • Set Home Page: to http://help.nceas.ucsb.edu/residents
  • When Firefox starts: Show my windows and tabs from last time
• Adobe Reader / Acrobat Pro
  • Edit → Preferences → Internet
    • check/uncheck Display PDF in browser
    • Internet Options → Connection speed: LAN
  • Edit → Preferences → Updater
    • Check for Updates → Automatically install updates

• Set 7-Zip as default archive manager for everything but ISOs

• Set up Pidgin with the #nceas-eco IRC room, have it start on login

Optional

Thunderbird

• Transfer profile from old computer %AppData%\Thunderbird
  • or
• Set up new profile
  1. Email Setup
  2. Disable start page (Tools -> Options -> General -> Thunderbird Start Page)
  3. Check spelling before sending (Tools -> Options -> Composition -> Spelling)
  4. Add a signature (Tools -> Account Settings -> Attach this signature)
  5. Add directory.ucsb.edu to the Address Book (Tools -> Address Book -> File -> New -> LDAP Directory)
  • Name: UCSB Directory
  • Hostname: directory.ucsb.edu
  • Base DN: o=ucsb
  • Port number: 389
  • Bind DN: 6. Enable address lookup for UCSB Directory
  • Tools -> Options -> Composition -> Addressing
  • Check Directory Server and select UCSB Directory from the drop down menu 7. If using server-side filters, set TB to check appropriate folders for new mail
  • Right-click on folder
  • Properties -> General Information -> enable When getting new messages for this account, always check this folder
• optional
  • Install Lightning and shared calendar syncing plugin

No Auto-Restart

• To disable auto restart after auto updates
  • Run //gpedit.msc// → Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Windows Update→ enable No auto-restart with logged on users for scheduled automatic updates installations
  • after this is applied, desktops will require frequent checks to make sure critical security updates have been applied to keep them secure