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Software Installations Using IPFW Icons

About IPFW Icons

    IPFW Icons provides an easy-to-use tool for installing or updating network software. To use IPFW Icons, Click Start and move your mouse pointer up to IPFW Icons. Follow the right arrow to access the submenu. Each command item on the submenu is also followed by a right arrow leading to a cascading submenu. For instance, if you follow the IPFW Icons submenu to Computer Maintenance and follow the right arrow after Computer Maintenance, you will see a list of tools used to keep your PC running smoothly.

About Installing Software from the IPFW Icons

    For most software packages, the first time you click an icon in IPFW Icons, the program will be installed. Each successive time you click the icon, it will open the program. When IT Services sets up a computer for you, most commonly accessed programs are already installed but you can install any of the packages that appear in IPFW Icons.

    In most cases, installing software from this menu copies the program to your computer. You need to be logged into the network to use the applications.

    Be aware of backward incompatibility problems. Do not install the latest versions of software on your office computer if you share any files with coworkers. In some cases, their software will not be able to read files you have created in a newer software version. Additionally, older computers may not have the ability to run the newest software suites.

To access Network Software Installations via IPFW Icons

    First, you must log on to the network from your office computer with your username and network password.

    • If you do not see the IPFW Icons folder in the top half of the Start menu, you are not be logged on to the network. You may have to restart or log off to get to the log in screen again.
    • If you just logged in and don't see IPFW Icons, be patient. After logging in, it may take a few minutes for this to load. You will see a magnifying glass on the Application Explorer icon in the lower right corner of the screen. Application Explorer Spyglass When the magnifying glass disappears, you should have access to IPFW Icons.
    • Click Start and move your mouse pointer up to IPFW Icons.
    • Follow the right arrow to access the submenu.
    • Click the name of the desired software.
    • You may be asked if you want to install this software. Click Yes.
    • Be patient. Depending on the number of files placed on your computer, installation time will vary from a few seconds to an hour or more for complex suites of applications.
    • Once the installation process has begun (meaning the actual software vendor's installation program is running), in a select few cases, there may be a set of instructions to choices to make during the installation. You may need to write the instructions out to assist you in the installation.
    • When installation is complete you may or may not be instructed to restart your computer. You do not have to reboot unless you are prompted to do so.

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