How to keep your ILR managed Macintosh computer updated and running smoothly

Software updates are necessary to help keep your ILR managed Macintosh computer(s) and data safe from hackers.  ILR Technology Services standard computer management practices are designed to comply with Cornell University Policy 5.10 and Certified Desktop requirements.  Below are actions you need to take on each of your ILR managed Macintosh computers.

1. Daily when working remotely
   1. Connect the Cisco AnyConnect client to IL-VPN
   2. This is required to access the ILR L: shared drive, remote desktop, and shared printers but is optional if you don't need those services
   3. The Cisco client will automatically disconnect after 10 hours or when you shutdown, or restart your PC
2. At least weekly
   1. Restart your computer. 
   2. Many of you already shutdown daily at the end of the work day, but if you prefer to leave your computer on all the time, it is important to restart periodically
   3. To reboot/restart: Click Apple (top left corner)>Restart
3. At least monthly
   1. Check for software updates in Self Service
      Open the Notifications tab of the Self Service application after the 4th Tuesday of the month to see what applications you have that need updates. Click the "Update All" button to install updates when it is convenient for you. Otherwise, the deadline will apply the updates automatically 7 days later around 4pm. 
      1. Launch the “Self Service” application
      2. Click the Update All button

2. Verify that your Code42 backups are running smoothly
   1. See https://tdx.cornell.edu/TDClient/82/Portal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=3339 for instructions

4. At least quarterly
   1. Check for OS updates.
      1. Save your work, close all apps, and connect laptop to AC power
      2. Click the Apple menu in the upper left corner of desktop
      3. Click "About this Mac"
      4. Click "Software Update…"
      5. Follow prompts to apply updates

You Mac OS security updates are automatically checked now through an app called Nudge, this will keep an eye on what security updates you need and prompt you for MacOS upgrades. This Link describes the process, https://tdx.cornell.edu/TDClient/82/Portal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=6325. 

You may also just go for a Mac OS upgrade by going into self service and running the MacOS upgrade, more info here; https://tdx.cornell.edu/TDClient/82/Portal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=6278

2. Check the status of your Cornell Certified Desktop computers
   1. Go to The Certified Desktop self-check tool 
   2. Sign in using your Cornell Netid and password
   3. Review the findings
   4. See the FAQ: Cornell Certified Desktop Self-Check Tool for help