The system should be initiated with a fresh Windows 7 install. Many of the optional utilities can be left out, go with the simplest install. At Soudan these computers are typically set up on a private network which is only accessible through the gateway toolbox.

Cygwin is the preferred software to supply ssh connectivity and a virtual Unix environment for file copying and other standard operations. The full install with the capability to run the ssh server daemon sshd, and standard Unix utilities like rsync is necessary. There should be a username 'shielddaq' created during this configuration with the standard veto shield password.

A VNC connection (TightVNC) is typically used to remotely control the data acquisition software. The VNC should be installed and its standard port (5900) set up to allow incoming connections in the firewall settings. RDP can also be installed and configured in a similar way with its standard port (3389) set up to allow incoming connections in the firewall settings.

The GUI for the remote CAEN HV control is written in Java and requires the Java Runtime environment to operate properly. This should be installed and then the GUI can be used to set the HV to all tubes.