Revision: Corrects the requirement to have.net Framework 4.0 installed to.net Framework 4.0 Extended installed for TaxWise Desktop in the below table. It also adds the Required Browser Settings for TWO to Zoom 100% in that table. Summary: This document provides system requirements and recommendations for both TaxWise Online (TWO) and TaxWise Desktop (TWD). The requirements are from CCH Small Firm Services and the recommendations are from the. TY 2011 Minimum Operating System Requirements for use of TaxWise Software (CCH SFS) (see Note, below) TaxWise Desktop (TWD) TaxWise Online (TWO) 800 MHz processor 800 MHz processor Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Home Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Edition (with the latest service pack), Microsoft Home Edition (with the latest service pack), Windows Vista (32-bit operating systems only), or Microsoft Windows Vista (32-bit operating Windows 7 systems only), or Windows 7 512 MB of RAM 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 56K Internet connection (Internet access required) PCL6 compatible printer Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 (with latest service pack) Adobe Reader (version 8.1 or higher) Ethernet network card (required for network installations only).net Framework 4.0 Extended * 800 X 600 color monitor with 16-bit color video card High-speed Internet connection (DSL, cable modem, or T1/T3) PCL6 compatible printer Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 (with latest service pack) Adobe Reader (version 8.1 or higher) Mouse Required Browser Settings: Security Level: Medium JavaScript: Enabled Download files: Enabled Zoom: 100% Note: Minimum requirements provide adequate performance for many users depending on computer configuration. While TaxWise may run on configurations with fewer resources, CCH does not guarantee performance or capability. *.NET Framework 4.0 Extended will be loaded during installation of the TaxWise Desktop software. During installation users will be directed to a link to download.net Framework 4.0 Extended if not AARP Tax-Aide Page 1 of 6
already installed. However, if you are cloning TaxWise, you will need to make sure.net Framework 4.0 Extended is loaded on the cloned computer, first. Any site planning to use TaxWise Online (TWO) should run the following speed test from each computer at the site: http://speedtest.taxwise.com If the results of the speed test indicate the communication speed is less than 800 kilobits per second, TWO may not be the best product choice for your site. Communication speed has direct impact on user s satisfaction with this product. Slow communication speeds represent slow response time. Slow response time could increase the amount of time required to prepare a return AARP Tax-Aide Page 2 of 6
TaxWise TY 2011 Desktop (TWD) Minimum Requirements Recommendations (NTC) These recommendations reflect Counselor experience, the growing complexity of Windows software, and minimum requirements and recommendations by CCH for TaxWise. A B C D SUGGESTED MINIMUM WINDOWS XP COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS See Note 1 Network Workstation or Stand Alone computer* *only if nothing else is available Network Workstation or Stand Alone computer Server Computer for a Network of up to 4 Computers Server Computer for a Network of 5 to 10 Computers Processor 500 MHz or faster. See Note 2 800 MHz or faster See Note 3 1 GHz or faster 1.5 GHz or faster Memory (RAM) 256 MB or more 512 MB or more 512 MB or more 1 GB or more Available FREE Hard Drive Space See Note 4 1 GB 1 GB 1 GB 1 GB Operating System. Windows XP Home or Professional with Windows XP Home or Professional with Windows XP Professional with Windows XP Professional with Video Display Super VGA 1024 X 768, high color/16 bit or better NOTES: 1. Windows 7 and Vista computers will meet the Processor, Memory, Operating System, and Video display requirements for running TaxWise most likely, they will meet the available hard drive space requirement, but this is dependent on the programs and data loaded on the computer. 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. 4. The hard drive size noted is the amount of free space needed for installing one year of TaxWise. AARP Tax-Aide Page 3 of 6
TWO Security The site and/or computer being used for TWO MUST have a firewall and Anti-virus program installed, configured, and running. 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. AARP Tax-Aide Page 4 of 6
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). Equipment Application Because equipment comes from different sources and may be used in different ways in the AARP-Tax- Aide program, it must be treated differently. The following table summarizes various uses and corresponding software requirements: AARP Tax-Aide Page 5 of 6
COMPUTER SOURCE IRS-owned (Depot computer loan program) AARP purchased, or donated Volunteer- Owned or Loaned OVERVIEW OF TAX-AIDE COMPUTER SOURCES, REQUIREMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS (1) ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE UPDATES (2) WINDOWS 7 SP1 OR XP SP 3; IE 8, ADOBE READER X,.NET FRAMEWORK 4.0 (3) TRUE- CRYPT REQUIRED (4) COMPUTER USE USAGE POLICY & RECOMMENDATIONS Stand Alone OK Not Required Recommended No Transmitting OK Required Recommended No TW Server Not recommended (5) Required Recommended No TW Work Station OK Not Required Recommended No TW Stand Alone OK Not Required Recommended Yes Transmitting OK Required Recommended Yes TW Server OK Required Recommended Yes TW Work Station OK Not Required Recommended No TW Stand Alone OK Required Recommended Yes TW Transmitting Not recommended (6) Required Recommended Yes TW Server Not recommended (6) Required Recommended Yes Site-owned TW Work Station OK Required Recommended No TaxWise Data on External TW Stand Alone Drive Not Required Recommended Yes TaxWise Data on External Transmitting Drive Required Recommended Yes TaxWise Data on External TW Server Drive Required Recommended Yes TW Work Station OK Not Required Recommended No NOTES: 1. Updated printer drivers, software and hardware updates from computer manufacturers should be installed on all computers used by AARP Tax-Aide. Correct time zone, date and time should be set. 2. Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) or equivalent antivirus software is required on all computers used for tax returns, Updating during tax season is required by use as shown. MSE Antivirus software required on AARP purchased and donated computers. 3. These updates are recommended by CCH..NET Framework 4.0 is required for TWD. 4. TrueCrypt must be used on AARP purchased or donated computers where specified. TrueCrypt or a National Office approved equivalent can be used on other computers. 5. Not recommended because of potential loss of use due to SecureDoc software. 6. 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 Page 6 of 6