AF SDC approaches USAFE network users

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jennifer Lovett
  • USAFE News Service
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, TURKEY --  U.S. Air Forces in Europe is charging forward with the Air Force initiative to standardize all Windows-based computers by Dec. 31. This change will provide every USAFE network user with a standard PC configuration and enhance network security.

Desktop standardization is not new to USAFE users — USAFE implemented the Standard Integrated Desktop more than 24 months ago. "We have gained significant lessons learned from our experience that will aide significantly in this Air Force project, called the Standard Desktop Configuration," said Master Sgt. Kelly Burkhard, USAFE Computer Systems Squadron technical support branch section chief.

Although the SDC significantly alters the configuration of the computer software, the transition will be relatively "painless." Users may notice minor changes in the desktop environment and upgrades to common use applications. Additionally, the SDC will remove administrative privileges from the normal userand prevent unauthorized downloads, upgrades, and software installations.

USAFE SDC implementation goals are: 15 percent command-wide by July 31; 70 percent command-wide by Sept. 30; 100 percent command- wide by Dec. 31.

Users are not required to prepare for SDC; however some precautions are advised.

"We recommend network users ensure all data to include .pst files be stored within ‘My Documents' in user profiles and create a back up," said Sergeant Burkhard.

Immediate manual installs of the SDC will be required for workstations that are currently exempt from the USAFE SID where exempt applications are compatible with the SDC. USAFE is engineering an automated tool to be used for all other workstations. This tool will run after duty hours. Affected users will be notified in advance to allow time for backing up data.

AF information technology officials said all Air Force bases should be operating with SDC by December.

For more information on AF SDC, go to https://afecmo.gunter.af.mil/.