GM Aftermarket Techline IT Guidelines

Introduction
GM’s hardware and software are designed and validated to work within specified
hardware and software versions. This document details the ideal computer scenarios
with which GM hardware and software will function as designed. Non-compliance could
result in undesired results for which GM is not responsible and will not support.

General Notes
The GM IT guidelines are organized as follows:

• Good – the minimum acceptable systems capability/components for conducting

diagnostics and programming with related GM hardware and software.

• Better – the systems infrastructure capability/components that will deliver better

performance and security while seeking to maximize the lifecycle of the investment.

• Best – the systems infrastructure capability/components that will deliver best

performance and security while seeking to maximize the lifecycle of the investment.

NOTE: If you are looking to purchase new infrastructure, systems or solutions, please
adhere to the specifications outlined in the “Better or Best” sections.

Hardware
The following section details guidelines for required hardware and software as well as a
guide for purchasing new hardware and software. NOTE: GM hardware and software
must be utilized on a dedicated computer.

Consumer-Grade versus Enterprise-Grade: Most computer manufacturers offer two

different grades of computers: consumer-grade hardware intended for home and
personal use, and enterprise-grade hardware intended for businesses. While the price of
consumer-grade hardware may seem attractive for independent businesses, oftentimes
the total cost of ownership ends up being greater due to the limited functionality, higher
failure rates, and more complex support.

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 SUPPORTED NOT SUPPORTED

Enterprise grade hardware (PCs and Consumer grade hardware (PC and Access Points),
Access Points) Apple or Mac tablets & PCs

Non-branded, built by hand or thin client PC

Intel Core i3 / i5 / i7 processors 4th ALL Intel Core i-series 3rd generation and below
generation and above Processors plus AMD, Celeron, Pentium and Atom
processors

Windows 7 Professional, 64 bit Windows 8.x, XP and Vista Business

supported up to December 31, 2019
only. Windows7 Professional, 32 bit

All Home Operating Systems

Windows 10 Professional, 64 bit
Tablets running Android or Mac operating systems

Java Run Time Environment 32 bit All 64 bit versions of Java

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Desktop PC

Good Better Best

Intel Core i3, i5 5th & 6th PC: Intel Core i7 7th & 8th
Processor Intel Core i3, i5, i7 4th Gen Gen* Gen*
& above & above

System memory
4GB 8GB 16GB
(RAM)

Hard Disk Drive 256GB 500GB 1TB

USB Ports 4 4+ 4+

Display 17” 1366 x 768 (HD) 21” 1366 x 768 (HD) 24” 1920 x 1080 (HD)

Wired: Gigabit Wired: Gigabit+ Wired: Gigabit+

Network Adapter
Wireless: 802.11n Wireless: 802.11ac Wireless: 802.11ac

Windows 7 Professional, Windows 10 Professional, PC: Windows 10 Professional,

Operating System
64 bit 64 bit 64 bit

* Note: 7th Generation or above have model numbers of 7000 or greater (example: Intel Core i5-
7400T).
** Note: For Service Technicians who perform Infotainment programming the 256GB drive size is
not sufficient for large calibration files. Select from the Better or Best category.

For the Techline Service Technician applications (TIS2Web, GDS2, MDI, MDI 2, Tech2Win, and Service
Information):

• Requires Local Windows Administrative access for software installation and updates to Windows
registry
• Refer to section 2.d.iv for a list of recommended firewall and security exceptions
• Recommends one (1) Multiple Diagnostic Tool (MDI / MDI 2) for every PC
• Recommends one (1) battery maintainer for every two (2) Multiple Diagnostic Interface (MDI)
tools in use
• Recommends use of Tripp-Lite Keyspan USB to Serial adapter (Model: USA - 19HS) for computers
without serial ports

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Laptops & Tablet PCs

Good Better Best

Intel Core i3, i5 5th & 6th PC: Intel Core i7 7th & 8th
Processor Intel Core i3, i5, i7 4th Gen Gen* Gen*
& above & above

System memory
4GB 4GB 8GB +
(RAM)

Hard Disk Drive 256GB 500GB 1TB

USB Ports 4 4+ 4+

Display 13” 1366 x 768 (HD) 15” 1366 x 768 (HD) 17” 1920 x 1080 (HD)

Wired: Gigabit Wired: Gigabit+ Wired: Gigabit+

Network Adapter
Wireless: 802.11n Wireless: 802.11ac Wireless: 802.11ac

Windows 7 Professional, Windows 10 Professional, Windows 10 Professional,

Operating System
64 bit 64 bit 64 bit

* Note: 7th Generation or above have model numbers of 7000 or greater (example: Intel Core i5-
7400T).
** Note: For Service Technicians who perform Infotainment programming the 256GB drive size is
not sufficient for large calibration files. Select from the Better or Best category.

For the Techline Service Technician applications (TIS2Web, GDS2, MDI, MDI 2, Tech2Win, and Service
Information):

• Requires Local Windows Administrative access for software installation and updates to Windows
registry
• Refer to section 2.d.iv for a list of recommended firewall and security exceptions
• Recommends one (1) Multiple Diagnostic Tool (MDI / MDI 2) for every PC
• Recommends one (1) battery maintainer for every two (2) Multiple Diagnostic Interface (MDI)
tools in use
• Recommends use of Tripp-Lite Keyspan USB to Serial adapter (Model: USA - 19HS) for computers
without serial ports

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Software

Good Better Best

Web Browser Internet Explorer, version IE11 (with current Service Pack) with the “compatibility view”
enabled

Java Current 32-bit version of Java Runtime Environment, or the version recommended by
each application

System Recovery Full Operating System Recovery Package,

Ensure the PC manufacturer or reseller provides the necessary recovery software to

restore the operating system in the event of a major software failure. (Note: See Business
Continuity Section)

Desktop Anti-Virus Enterprise Desktop Anti-virus solution that is updated automatically and managed
through a centralized console.

Internet Speed

Good Better Best

Speed 100 Mbps 1000 Mbps 1000 Mbps

Note:

The MDI and MDI 2 are not compatible with an open, unencrypted wireless network.

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Desktop Security

Good Better Best

PC Virus Monitoring Enterprise-grade, antivirus products should be installed on all PCs and configured to
automatically perform the following:

• Download and install most current virus signature updates

• Actively monitor for viruses
• Quarantine and eradicate infected files
• Antivirus solution should include antivirus, anti-spyware, intrusion prevention,
application control, spam control and rootkit detection
Patch Management • GM recommends that patch management be performed on every PC to ensure each
workstation has current patches.
• Workstation Management should include remote monitoring of
hardware/software failures, down servers, low disk space, excessive CPU usage and
excessive memory usage. Install critical security patches within one month of
release.
Password Protection Employees have multiple user ID’s and passwords used to access the tools that support
user’s job roles. Implementing a password management policy is a significant piece of
data security and access control.

All passwords should be promptly changed if suspected of/are being comprised, or

disclosed to vendors for maintenance/support.

• Refrain from divulging passwords unless absolutely necessary (i.e., helpdesk

assistance)

• Protect stored passwords – discourage employees from writing down access

information and keeping it in plain sight of passerby (i.e., username & password written
on post it note nearby workspace).

• Passwords should be encrypted when transmitted electronically.

• Passwords must be changed every 90 days.

• Users are not able to reuse their last five (5) passwords.

• User accounts are locked-out or suspended after the tenth (10) failed login attempts.

• Remove all employee credentials from all network devices immediately upon
employment ending.

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GM Application Security and Firewall Exceptions
All application updates and installations must be performed from an account with local Windows
administrative privileges. Firewall Exceptions for TIS2Web applications:

• 64 bit Windows:
o C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre<version number>\bin\jp2launcher.exe
o C:\Program Files (x86)\GDS 2\jre6\bin\javaw.exe
o C:\Program Files (x86)\General Motors\Tech2Win\bin\emulator.exe
o C:\Program Files (x86)\GM MDI Software\GM MDI Manager\GM_MDI_Manager.exe
o C:\Program Files (x86)\GM MDI Software\GM MDI Identification Service\GM_MDI_Ident.exe
o C:\Program Files (x86)\Vibe Programming\Cuw.exe
• 32 bit Windows:
o C:\Program Files\Java\jre<version number>\bin\jp2launcher.exe
o C:\Program Files\GDS 2\jre6\bin\javaw.exe
o C:\Program Files\General Motors\Tech2Win\bin\emulator.exe
o C:\Program Files\GM MDI Software\GM MDI Manager\GM_MDI_Manager.exe
o C:\Program Files\GM MDI Software\GM MDI Identification Service\GM_MDI_Ident.exe
o C:\Program Files\Vibe Programming\Cuw.exe
• Java Control Panel Security URL Exception:
o https://tis2web.service.gm.com
• Internet Explorer Trusted Sites URL Exceptions:
o *.gm.com

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