Using Tax-Aide Chromebook at Home

Most secure option - use an Ethernet cable directly to your home network

The best way to use a Chromebook at home is to connect your AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Chromebook to your home network via an Ethernet adapter. 

Five Acceptable Home Connectivity Options

Attach to your home network via Ethernet adapter/cable. 

• It is still encouraged to use the Wi-Fi network security steps (see below) for best security practice, but is not required when solely using an Ethernet cable connection in lieu of Wi-Fi connection 

Use an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide router, with wireless turned off, on your home network and the Chromebook connected with an Ethernet cable.

1. • • Add one of the recommended routers to a home network (e.g. Tenda N300 Easy Setup Router (Model N301), available at MicroCenter or Amazon for approximately $20)

     • If you add a router, be sure the firmware is up-to-date:

       • The current firmware for the Tenda can be found here: https://www.tendacn.com/us/product/download/F3.html

Use a personal smartphone to create a mobile hotspot 

• Associated cost/fees are not reimbursable 

Employ your home network wifi after you have changed network password and router login credentials and followed the other steps listed below. 

• • Changing the password in your home router will impact smart TVs, and other home devices linked to the home router. 

  • The steps you need to follow:

• • • Change the router admin credentials from the default username & password (usually ‘admin’ and ‘admin’ or ‘password’ and ‘password’)

    • Change the network name/SSID (Service Set Identifier) name (do not use Tax or Tax-Aide in the new SSID. 

    • Password protect the home router. 

    • Verify that the router firmware was updated within the past 12 months.

    • Ensure that there is limited physical and device access to the home network by others.

    • Ensure that the router password is changed at least once per year; prior to the start of the tax season each year. 

    • Ensure that the router is housed in a central location so as to limit access to or be detectible by unauthorized people outside of the home. 

  • Based on your skillset the use of a network GUEST ACCOUNT for use with Tax-Aide is an option. 

    • • Router credentials and guest network credentials must be changed, but not your main network SSID and password. 

Request an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Hotspot

• •  Least preferred method, as there is a very limited supply

  • All requests must be made through volunteer leadership up to the Regional Technology Coordinator

Ref: 2021-2022 Policy and Procedures Manual- Rev. 11/19/2021  pages 61-62