MiSeq | Updating the Windows7 Embedded System

[cement_head]

Hi,

I'm having endless issues updating/patching the Windows7 Embedded system on the MiSeq. Constantly getting errors from Windows Update about it not being able to update, and of course, being M$, the error codes are next to useless.

Is there anyway around this? I just don't like the idea of an un-patched system on the Internet running M$ Windows.

Regards,
Andor

[kmcarr]

In my opinion it is unwise to install software patches which have not been tested for compatibility by Illumina. We do not patch any instrument computers with anything other than patches/upgrades provided by the instrument vendor.

Your MiSeq and all networked laboratory computers should be protected by a firewall with very stringent access rules.

[GenoMax]

You should leave your MiSeq as is. Isolating instrument computers from open internet with a strong firewall (preferably via a defined/separate VLAN) is the best option for securing instrument computers.

[cement_head]

Okay, that works in a "closed" facility. What happens if we have an "open" facility and any user can insert a USB drive? Do I just cross my fingers?

I guess I'd like to know how to prevent usb spawned malware.

[misterc]

You could open it up and remove the internal USB cable that passes through to the motherboard for the USB port on the right hand side of the instrument. I forget how the USB port on the back of the MiSeq is plumbed, but that one might be part of the motherboard (and not a cable).

[GenoMax]

@misterc: Problem is a lot of times users (or even the facility techs) may create samplesheets using IEM elsewhere and then bring those to the machine at the time of run-start. People may also want to off-load data using USB external drives (if networking is not available).

@cement_head: User education generally works well. You should put up signs (if users can walk in any hour of the day) about using good USB hygiene and absolute need to ensure a clean environment. If you can't trust certain users to follow this basic protocol then you would need to be a "bad cop" and make sure they don't access the sequencer unattended or first scan their USB's on a separate machine before they are allowed to plug those into sequencer.

[Mastersales1015]

770-490-3265 we have one that is being retired. A illumina MiSeq DOM 2013.

[cement_head]

@misterc: Problem is a lot of times users (or even the facility techs) may create samplesheets using IEM elsewhere and then bring those to the machine at the time of run-start. People may also want to off-load data using USB external drives (if networking is not available).

@cement_head: User education generally works well. You should put up signs (if users can walk in any hour of the day) about using good USB hygiene and absolute need to ensure a clean environment. If you can't trust certain users to follow this basic protocol then you would need to be a "bad cop" and make sure they don't access the sequencer unattended or first scan their USB's on a separate machine before they are allowed to plug those into sequencer.

Yep, you are correct - almost always USER ERROR is what we fight (constantly).