AETC begins to implement the Air Force's Standard Desktop Published Aug. 25, 2006 By Megan Orton Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AETCNS) -- The Air Force will begin implementing the first Standard Desktop Configuration in January 2006. The SDC is one part of the 5-year, $70 million Air Force Microsoft Services contract. Standardizing the desktop will reduce the learning curve for Air Force users, particularly those who change computers often due to organizational requirements, temporary duty or permanent change of station moves. 2nd Lt. Jason Burkard, Air Education and Training Command Network Operations and Security Center Engineering and Test and Evaluation chief said, "Basic programs such as Microsoft Office applications and common utilities will be standardized and configured the same so users will find little difference between computers they use, no matter where they are assigned in the Air Force." "The biggest benefit the Air Force will reap from SDC is enhanced security," Tech. Sgt. Eric Mikkelsen, AETC NOSC Engineering and Test and Evaluation noncommissioned officer in charge said. There have been over 8,000 intrusions attempted this year on AETC networks. "When the configuration is standardized, security will be increased exponentially through more effective centralized management of the security posture. Our goal is to plug security vulnerabilities in hours versus the weeks it takes us today," he said. One of the biggest changes users will notice with SDC is that administrative access will be restricted to computer support personnel only. This will help to improve security by ensuring that unauthorized software is not installed. "When users are browsing, websites may install spyware or malicious code without the customer's knowledge. By limiting the installation of software to authorized individuals, the contamination of government computers is significantly curtailed or possibly eliminated. Our customers benefit from better performing, more reliable workstations," said George Brann, AETC NOSC client systems administrator. Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, was selected as one of the five test sites for the Air Force. "The base was chosen because of its continued excellence in time network order compliance, size, locality and manageability" said Staff Sgt. James Gatsche, 47th Communications Squadron System Management Server Services NCOIC. He also noted Laughlin AFB is medium in size and has been re-engineered so its network is centrally managed by the AETC NOSC. SDC testing at Laughlin AFB began Nov. 28 and will continue for one month. During this time, Laughlin will have on-site support from the operational support systems group, Microsoft and AETC. Following the testing, the results will be evaluated, changes will be made as necessary, and a schedule will be produced for implementation across AETC. The goal is to have the Air Force fully transitioned to a standard desktop by the end of 2006.