Desktop configuration coming for ACC network users

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Russell Wicke
  • Air Combat Command Public Affairs
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFPN) --  Air Combat Command is taking steps to standardize its 68,000 Windows-based computers by Dec. 31 -- a change that will affect every Airman and Air Force civilian who uses a computer on the network.

This project, called the Standard Desktop Configuration, or SDC, is a first-time initiative that will provide every user with a standard operating system and improve network security.

Users can expect minor changes such as a small, green band running across the top of their screen declaring “Unclassified,” and an upgrade of core applications such as Acrobat Reader, Internet Explorer, Office 2003 and more.

Every major command will have the same set of office automation tools and applications. Right now, the Air Force uses many versions of Windows including Windows XP, 2000 and NT. This project will standardize all desktop PCs. The plan calls for every Airman using Windows-based computers to have the same set of tools.

But the benefit comes with certain restrictions. The SDC enables the Windows firewall and removes administrative privileges from normal users. According to Joe Lahouchuc, ACC Desktop Enterprise manager, this means users will no longer be able to add, update or remove PC applications.

“The firewall and the removal of administrative privileges mitigate internal security risks and Spyware threats,” Mr. Lahouchuc said. “It’s another layer of security.”

Until recently, the Internet and major computer networks could be compared to the American “Wild West:”  vast opportunities for expansion in lawless territory. Computer networks enable fast communications for the Department of Defense worldwide, but with so many individual users and computers in the Air Force, taking control of what goes on the network can be difficult business.

The SDC is more like the beginning of network and desktop “law” than a final solution, according to the Air Force Enterprise Configuration Management Office.

“The primary goal is PC and network security,” AFECMO officials said. The project “combats the constant threat of hacker and virus attacks.”

The option to personalize screensavers, wallpaper and shortcuts will still be available.
“(Users) will be able to change most settings that don’t affect the (computer’s) security,” Mr. Lahouchuc said.

The project won’t be implemented all at once. After a base is equipped with SDC, users may experience temporary setbacks such as having to re-install printers and CAC credentials. Some cached e-mail addresses may be lost as well. Mr. Lahouchuc suggested network users back up their data to a shared drive or CD.

Although the change will likely happen at night, all base users will be notified in advance by a Notice to Airmen to allow time for backing up data.

Officials at AFECMO said all Air Force bases should be operating with SDC by December.

Currently, Airmen at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, are testing the project. Experts there have been experimenting with the program since November. Other Air Force bases testing SDC are Fairchild AFB, Wash.; Laughlin AFB, Texas; and Schriever AFB, Colo.

“(The testing) is very manpower intensive,” said Master Sgt. Dan Kunkel, 7th Communications Squadron Network Administration chief at Dyess. “We are working through the (program) to come up with a workable SDC model for ACC.”

He explained after the initial growing pains, the advantages of SDC will be “enormous.” Among the other benefits of standardization, Sergeant Kunkel said SDC will lead to a reduction in the amount of “hands-on” maintenance or problem calls for each computer. Software developers will also benefit.

“This brings a common operating environment for software developers,” Mr. Lahouchuc said. “They won’t need to make different versions of software for different commands (or bases).  If a developer’s program works on a computer with SDC, it will work for the whole Air Force -- and eventually the whole DOD."