Software updates improve productivity, network security

  • Published
  • By David Hopper
  • Air Combat Command Public Affairs
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (ACCNS) --  The Integrated Network Operations and Security Center (known as INOSC) pushed an upgrade to the Standard Desktop Configuration throughout Air Combat Command Nov. 26.

The upgrade is providing Air Force computer systems better security and will keep computer systems compliant with Air Force regulations regarding the SDC.

"The premise behind the Standard Desktop Configuration ... is to have a common operating platform" said Joseph Lahouchuc, ACC Desktop Enterprise Management. "With SDC 1.4 you get Internet Explorer 7, Windows Media player 11, QuickTime 7.3 as well as ActivClient." The ActivClient is the follow on to the ActivCard Gold which will read the new CAC card the military will soon be issuing.

For the average desktop user one of the most noticeable changes with the SDC 1.4 upgrade is Internet Explorer 7. It has tabs that allow the user multiple Web sites up in the same window. According to Mr. Lahouchuc, the use of multiple tabs will enable less research time for users working on the web.

In a survey of Airmen by the Air Force Enterprise Configuration Management Office, 79 percent said they were more productive with IE7.

These upgrades are important because Air Force computer users face threats on the Internet like spyware, malware and viruses. The security features on IE7 will decrease the amount of affected systems and reduce the time and money used to repair the systems. Also, its security features far exceed what was available on IE6, said Mr. Lahouchuc. One of the security features is a centrally managed list of trusted sites to provide a more secure platform to the desktops.

The importance of this upgrade boils down to standardization and security. "Standardization provides the rapid command-and-control of configuration management," said Capt. Todd A. Curtright, 83rd Network Operations Squadron. "Security is enhanced through many [updates in] Windows XP, Microsoft Office and third-party applications that enhance functionality or patch discovered vulnerabilities."

The SDC 1.4 push will be complete by Dec. 31. It is currently being pushed to about 500,000 desktops throughout the Air Force. The next big change in Air Force desktops is scheduled to occur in July 2008 when SDC version 1.6 is set for deployment. Version 1.6 includes Microsoft Office 2007.