Optimizing An Unimaged ThinkPad With Windows Vista
From Provider Wiki
These are instructions for optimizing a Lenovo ThinkPad with Windows Vista that does not have a University-specific disk image for the University environment. Often, these ThinkPads ship from Lenovo's factories with a dated, sub-optimal 'base image'.
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What To Remove
These applications are either incompatible or unneeded on a ThinkPad running Windows Vista. Support providers may find Lenovo's BaseSoftware Administrator to be helpful in this area.
Must Be Removed
These applications should be removed in order to ensure proper functionality in the University's environment and with Penn's supported products.
- Norton Internet Security
- Norton Internet Security must be removed before installing the University's site-licensed version of Symantec Endpoint 11.0.2, which is included on the PennConnect DVD.
- Client Security Solution
- Information Systems & Computing (ISC) suggests that the Client Security Solution be removed, unless there is a defined and specific need for the security features it provides. There have also been some fairly serious functionality problems reported with the Client Security Solution at the University, which ISC continues to investigate.
- Microsoft Office 2007 Test Drive
- It is essential that the Office 2007 Test Drive be removed before installing any purchased version of Office 2003 or Office 2007.
Consider Removing
These applications are un-needed with Windows Vista, but usually do not actually conflict with other applications.
- DiskKeeper
- DiskKeeper (a demo version of a third-party disk defragmention utility) is unneeded - Windows Vista has a built-in disk defragmentation utility.
- Access Connections
- ISC suggests that Access Connections be removed. At this point, we do not believe that Access Connections, which attempts to provide useful automation to Internet connectivity and related services, works well with or adds much to Windows Vista.
- Browser Toolbars
- There should at most be one browser toolbar installed. Check to make sure that the Google toolbar and the Windows Live toolbar are not both installed, as they often conflict with each other and significantly slow down your web browser.
What To Update
Updating Windows and virus signatures is not enough to bring a ThinkPad up-to-date, though it is a good start.
Windows Update
It may be necessary to run Windows Update several times, as Microsoft is constantly releasing updates for Windows Vista and other applications such as Office. In general, most optional updates (especially for hardware) are reasonable ones, though the user may wish to forgo installing the large language packs.
ThinkVantage System Update
It may be necessary to run System Update as many as three times to get all updates, as new and improved middleware and drivers are constantly coming out for Windows Vista. Run critical updates first, then recommended updates, and then optional updates. Instructions for running System Update are here while suggestions on which ThinkVantage technologies to install under Windows Vista are here.
Third-Party Applications
Don't forget to update third party applications that may be installed, such as Adobe or Apple products.
What To Install
PennConnect 2008 DVD
The PennConnnect 2008 DVD includes many Windows Vista compatible applications in use at the University, including Symantec Endpoint Protection 11.0.2.
