Ramblings from another nerd on the grid
Windows 7: Best of Deployment Compilation
By Jeremy Chapman
I like all types of music and with almost any successful musician there comes a time when they take their best tracks and create a “Best of” album. This is not only great for people who want all of their music in one place, but also for the people new to that musician. Now you might argue that all this goes away with online music services, but I’d argue that sometimes the level of selection there gets daunting. At this point you’re also probably wondering what this all has to do with Windows 7 deployment, well… after more than a year post general availability and two years since I’ve been writing and reviewing content, it’s time to sift through that huge potential playlist and cut the Windows 7: Best of Deployment Compilation.
If you are new to the Windows deployment game or are stuck in the spooky world of drive-cloning with older sector-based processes, this should help you get started. If you’ve seen it and have the concert T-shirts from our TechEd tours, then you can probably skip ahead. We’ll start out with the basic concepts then go deeper into the how-to guides.
Overviews
The following guides are mostly written content and will take anywhere from 10 to 60 minutes to read through each one.
1. Deploying Windows 7 from A to Z I wrote this as a blog series almost a year ago and it quickly turned into the most informal whitepaper ever published by Microsoft (to my knowledge). This is an “unplugged” session explaining deployment tools and processes end-to-end.
2. Windows XP to Windows 7 Migration Guide This multimedia guide roughly follows the process I wrote in Deploying Windows 7 from A to Z and adds videos, decision workflows and leads almost perfectly into the next two guides.
3. Understanding the Application Compatibility in Your Environment Application compatibility is where you will spend the most time preparing for a deployment of Windows 7,
4. Choosing a Deployment Strategy A colleague I respect immensely on the Windows engineering team, Patrick Azzarello, approached me almost two years ago with the idea to weigh all of the common Windows deployment options from Microsoft and create recommendations based on organization size and skill level. This guide does exactly that.
5. Deploying Windows® 7 Essential Guidance from the Windows 7 Resource Kit and TechNet Magazine (author’s choice***) This best of list is in chronological order, but if I had to rank content on importance, I would put this guide at the top of the list. It explains all of the deployment tools very succinctly without glossing over anything.
Video Demonstrations
Once you make it through the overviews, these videos will put many of the concepts together and make them more real. More videos can be found here, but I am highlighting the important and more detailed ones.
6. Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit This video explains the Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit for creating and assessing hardware compatibility prior to a Windows 7 deployment project. (5 minutes)
7. Getting Started with the Application Compatibility Toolkit Part 1 of 5 in the series – This video explains the Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit, including prerequisites for installation and how to configure the Application Compatibility Toolkit to collect application inventory and initial compatibility findings. (7 minutes)
8. Creating Data Collection Packages to Generate an Application Inventory Part 2 of 5 – This video shows how Data Collection Packages are created for inventorying and analyzing applications in your environment. Learn how to label Data Collection Packages used for sorting application inventories according to user roles. (9 minutes)
9. Analyzing Compatibility Data Returned by Data Collection Packages Part 3 of 5 – This video shows how application inventory data is analyzed using Application Compatibility Manager in the Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit. This video will show you how data is collected by compatibility evaluators, how to prioritize applications, and how to synchronize your application portfolio with the Microsoft Compatibility Exchange Web service. (13 minutes)
10. Mitigating Application Compatibility Issues with Common Compatibility Fixes Part 4 of 5 – This video shows how to use the Compatibility Administrator tool, a component of the Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit, to author custom compatibility fixes. This demonstration highlights many of the most commonly used compatibility fixes (or "shims") for enterprise line-of-business applications. (14 minutes)
11. Detecting and Mitigating Administrative Privilege Requirements with the Standard User Analyzer Part 5 of 5 – This video shows how Standard User Analyzer, part of Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit, can be used to detect potential issues with applications that require administrative privileges. Also learn how compatibility mitigations are created and applied by the tool in order to help fix many of the issues Standard User Analyzer detects. (8 minutes)
12. Thrive Live! Migrating from IE6 to IE8 (Part 1 of 2) This demonstration-heavy webcast highlights real-world scenarios to configure, manage, deploy, and ensure the compatibility of their Web applications with Internet Explorer 8. (26 minutes)
13. Thrive Live! Migrating from IE6 to IE8 (Part 2 of 2) (27 Minutes)
14. Building the Deployment Environment with MDT 2010 This video explains how to use the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit to create fully automated Windows XP to Windows 7 migrations – with data, applications, drivers and packages. (10 minutes)
15. Initiating the Install and Migrating the PC using MDT 2010 This video shows the initiation of Lite Touch Installation and explains the entire operating system migration and the phases of the automated process for moving Windows XP computers to Windows 7. (10 minutes)
Deployment Tools and VHDs to Download
If you have read the overviews or watched the videos, these tools don’t need descriptions, but the Proof of Concept Jumpstart Kit (a big working virtual demo environment does).
16. Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit
17. Application Compatibility Toolkit
18. Windows Automated Installation Kit for Windows 7
19. Microsoft Deployment Toolkit
20. System Center Configuration Manager 2007 R2 VHD
21. Proof of Concept Jumpstart Kit v1.5 The Proof of Concept Jumpstart Kit provides resources in pre-configured VHD files to deploy a desktop PoC with Windows 7, Office 2010, Internet Explorer 8, and Application Virtualization with Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack technology.
Deeper Technical Guidance
Once you’ve read the overviews, watched the videos and downloaded the tools, these deeper guides will explain how to use the tools. Guidance included with the tools themselves tends to be pretty good, but the online guidance in some cases is more up-to-date.
22. Application Compatibility Toolkit 5.6 Documentation
23. Addressing Application Compatibility When Migrating to Internet Explorer 8
24. Windows Automated Installation Kit for Windows 7 Documentation
25. MDT 2010 Print-Ready Documentation
26. Operating System Deployment in Configuration Manager Documentation
Deployment-Related Blogs to Follow
After making through all of the content outlined in this “Best of” list, there are more resources to follow and people blogging about real-world workarounds and experiences in application compatibility and deployment. The following four blogs are my favorites.
27. Chris Jackson – The AppCompat Guy
28. The Deployment Guys (Guru Consultants from Microsoft Services)
29. Johan Arwidmark – Deployment MVP
30. Springboard Series Blog – Where I blog about deployment themes and news
Deployment Hands-on Labs Finally, there are several application compatibility and deployment hands-on labs hosted on Microsoft TechNet for deploying Windows 7.
31. TechNet Virtual Lab: Windows 7: Application Compatibility Toolkit 5.5 and Windows 7
32. TechNet Virtual Lab: Windows 7: Mitigating Application Issues Using Shims
33. TechNet Virtual Lab: Windows 7: Getting Started with Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010
34. TechNet Virtual Lab: Windows 7: Zero Touch Installation Using Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010 and System Center Configuration Manager
Closing thoughts
While the thirty items listed in my “Windows 7: Best of Deployment Compilation” seems like quite a bit, you should be able to get through first 20 items listed within a day. At that point, you will have a pretty good idea of what everything does and be able to get started with a Windows 7 deployment project. Items 21-34 are more at the hands-on level and will explain the individual tools, while blogs will often provide workarounds and tips for things not found in the documentation. If you follow the sequence of everything listed here, you’ll be relative proficient in operating system in under a week. My advice would be to start creating builds and using the tools as early as possible – nothing is more valuable than learning by experience, even if the experience is in a set of virtual test machines.
Thanks for reading!
Jeremy Chapman Windows Deployment @deployjeremy
The Windows 7 Application Compatibility List for IT Professionals is a Microsoft Office Excel-based spreadsheet listing software applications which have met Windows 7 Logo Program testing requirements for compatibility with 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7, and have thereby earned the right to display the Windows 7 Logo Program logo with the application. These products are identified with the compatibility status “Compatible – Windows 7 Logo.”
Additionally, this list includes applications with the following compatibility statuses: “Compatible,” “Free Update Required,” “Paid Update Required,” “Future Compatibility,” and “Not Compatible.” These statuses are based upon the software publishers’ statements of compatibility. These products have not met the Windows 7 Logo Program testing requirements. For an explanation of the various compatibility statuses, please see the Release Notes for the Windows 7 Application Compatibility List on the first tab of the Excel spreadsheet.
For the latest catalog of compatible applications and hardware devices, please visit the Windows 7 Compatibility Center and select a region and language from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. You can also leave feedback on compatibility and suggest new products to get added in future reports.
Go get it @ http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=890e522e-e39e-4278-aebc-186f81e29173.
Microsoft RemoteFX on a Remote Desktop Session Host Server
Walks you through the process of setting up a working Remote Desktop Session Host that uses RemoteFX and is accessible by using Remote Desktop Connection in a test environment.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=d90e841f-d84c-4746-b0f3-3c16e71d1ed1
RemoteFX for Personal Virtual Desktops
Walks you through the process of setting up a working personal virtual desktop that uses RemoteFX in a test environment.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=36dfd539-fa39-47de-af89-24f07bd67a7d
Virtual Desktop Pools
Walks you through the process of setting up a working virtual desktop pool that uses RemoteFX in a test environment.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=c031b617-1c9b-4ccf-bc13-df6199003e9e
USB Redirection
Walks you through the process of setting up USB redirection with RemoteFX in a test environment.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=4b290885-2da1-4432-baab-87346c96b63c
This book is a gift from the Windows Phone 7 team at Microsoft to the programming community, and I am proud to have been a part of it. Within the pages that follow, I show you the basics of writing applications for Windows Phone 7 using the C# programming language with the Silverlight and XNA 2D frameworks.
Yes, Programming Windows Phone 7 is truly a free download, but for those readers who still love paper—as I certainly do—this book will also be available (for sale) divided into two fully-indexed print editions: Microsoft Silverlight Programming for Windows Phone 7 and Microsoft XNA Framework Programming for Windows Phone 7. [Note from Devon: we should have these ready for order in December 2010.]
Full details at http://blogs.msdn.com/b/microsoft_press/archive/2010/10/28/free-ebook-programming-windows-phone-7-by-charles-petzold.aspx.
The Windows® Automated Installation Kit (AIK) for Windows® 7 helps you to install, customize, and deploy the Microsoft Windows® 7 and Windows Server® 2008 R2 family of operating systems.
The WAIK was re-published to the download center at http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=696dd665-9f76-4177-a811-39c26d3b3b34. Looks like the only thing that was added were some languages to Windows PE.
[UPDATE for 11/2/2010] Please disregard this blog post. The product group has now clarified nothing changed in the .ISO and they only changed the version number on the manifest for the download center. I am not happy about that. Sorry for the false alarm. I received some bad information. Next time I’ll double check first.
You were warned. Mu haaa haaaa haaaaaa !!!!
Click the pic for the large version of the image. See http://www.good.is/post/what-is-the-true-size-of-africa/ for the article. Interesting.
SQL injection is a technique used by attackers to damage or steal data residing in databases that use SQL syntax to control information storage and retrieval. SQL injection usually involves using a mechanism such as a text field in a web form to directly pass malicious SQL to a program or script that queries a database. If the program or script does not properly validate the input, the attacker may be able to execute arbitrary database commands, such as deleting tables, altering sensitive records, or accessing other parts of the database or network. For a more in-depth explanation of SQL injection see the Security Intelligence Report (SIR) Section 3.2.
This book contains information about how to use Group Policy to deploy and configure an installation of Microsoft Office 2010. The audience for this book includes IT generalists, IT operations, help desk and deployment staff, IT messaging administrators, consultants, and other IT professionals.
The content in this book is a copy of selected content in the Office 2010 Resource Kit technical library (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=181453) as of the publication date. For the most current content, see the technical library on the Web.
Go get it @ http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=66a6848c-6c28-4b61-9c12-a8cad4b380a4&displaylang=en. It’s only 240 pages.
This interview is hilarious. Keep an open mind. Rated R. PG-13 for sure. Sorry, I couldn’t figure out how to embed the video directly.
The Hubble telescope took some interesting pictures the past few months. This looks like Luke’s X-Wing warping through the galaxy to me. See the full story at http://hubblesite.org/newscenter/archive/releases/2010/34/image/a/.
Improve the efficiency and availability of IT resources and applications with the new virtualization innovations provided in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 RC. Dynamic Memory and Microsoft RemoteFXTM, to help businesses further optimize their datacenter and desktops.
Businesses can take advantage of these innovations to help deliver new capabilities such as private cloud and VDI. To learn more about Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 RC and the benefits it provides, read the documents, feature overview and FAQs below.
For full details and the download links, head on over to http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/sp1.aspx or http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/ff183870.aspx. Want to skip the guided experience? Head directly to the download center at http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=c3202ce6-4056-4059-8a1b-3a9b77cdfdda&displaylang=en.
AVATAR II is on the way? James Cameron must be behind this.
Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac is the tool you need to sync your favorite music, photos and videos, movies and TV shows, and podcasts from your Mac with your Windows Phone 7. You can also sync photos and videos you captured on your phone with your Mac, and when needed, update your Windows Phone 7 software.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=1fe7ea0f-3ad6-4137-8397-d412a3792c33
Microsoft Office for Mac Home & Business 2011
Get the tools to manage business and life, on your terms. Create professional-quality documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Work when and where you want from any computer with a browser and the Office Web Apps. And communicate and share with virtually anyone with the world’s most reliable Office for Windows compatibility. Designed and licensed for more advanced personal use, home-based work, and small business. Includes Outlook for Mac 2011.
Microsoft Office for Mac Home & Student 2011
From home projects to homework, Office helps your family make the most of every opportunity, every day. Enjoy the flexibility to do what you want, when you want: more ways to access your work from anywhere and share your ideas with others, plus the most reliable Office for Windows compatibility. Designed and licensed for everyday home use, families and K-12 students. Not for commercial use
See http://hp.com/go/slate. Hopefully someone will have one for me to play with soon.
Whether you are a Microsoft Office user or you’re evaluating Office 2010 for your business, the product guides are a great place to start. Explore the Office 2010 product guides for an overview of what’s new and improved in your favorite Microsoft Office programs or for a deeper look at benefits across all Office 2010 programs. Each guide provides an at-a-glance overview, a closer look at many new and improved features, and instructions to help you find the features you want quickly and easily. You’ll also find additional information and resources in some of the guides for power users, IT pros, and developers.
See the list and downloads @ http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=e690baf0-9b9a-4c47-88da-3a84f3e9b247. As always, be sure to head on over to the TechNet Office resource center at http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/office/default.aspx for the latest IT Pro information.
You’ve heard me talk about the rain in North Texas and the intensity. We had a small storm blow through at lunch time today so I grabbed the video camera and let it roll for 60 seconds. Now multiple this 60 seconds by hours and you’ll have some idea of the bad ass storms we can get in the Spring, Summer and Fall. Getting several inches of rain is common. Try a foot.
Fascinating little machine. See http://www.apple.com/macbookair/ for more information.
If you have downloaded or plan to download Internet Explorer 9 Beta, make sure to visit the new Internet Explorer 9 Beta spotlight in the right rail of the Windows 7 TechCenter for an overview of the Beta, an FAQ, a video demonstration, and other resources created specifically for IT professionals. They are great tools for ensuring you get the most from your beta experience.
If you're still using Internet Explorer 6 and want to know more about migration and assessing compatibility when moving to Windows 7 and Internet Explorer 8, watch the replay of last week's roundtable where myself and a panel comprised of your IT pro peers plus subject matter experts answered questions submitted by our live audience on a variety of topics from compatibility assessment tools to recommendations on policy, code, and virtualization solutions to mitigate compatibility issues.
Video Replay (65 minutes)
Yea baby. I would look good in this.
“Microsoft doesn't often get version one releases right, but this time, it has got the release very right indeed. Windows Phone 7 looks great, works well, and is a treat to use. Market success isn't assured, but judged on its merits alone, this is a platform that absolutely deserves to succeed, and I really, really hope it does.”
Pretty nice quote from ars technica. You should spend some time reading through their review of Windows Phone 7 when you get a chance.
Head on over to http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/reviews/2010/10/windows-phone-7-the-ars-review.ars and see for yourself.
I wanted to take this moment to thank each and every one of you for being our customer. Although Windows 7 is now a year old, I know it is not fully deployed in your offices and homes. Stay tuned to technet.microsoft.com. We have a great TechNet On: Windows 7 Deployment content package coming November 1st. Until that time, thanks again for being our customers. We really appreciate it. More to come.
Be sure to check out the blog post Brandon LeBlanc provided on The Windows Blog. He has a fun little contest there and it’s super easy to enter. Here’s my fav seven:
Today we start the next milestone in the life of Windows Phone 7. This morning we held a global webcast to announce some of the cool devices coming to Europe this month, and the United States in November.
I certainly haven’t decided what to get but after testing the HTC EVO and it’s 4.3” screen a few months ago, I am considering the HTC HD7. Looking forward to analyzing the specs, features and prices more fully when I see the Microsoft employee deals.
Here are a few specs and details on the T-Mobile HTC HD7
For more information, see the following sites:
Volume 9 of the Microsoft® Security Intelligence Report provides an in-depth perspective on malicious and potentially unwanted software, software exploits, security breaches and software vulnerabilities (both in Microsoft software and in third-party software). Microsoft developed these perspectives based on detailed analysis over the past several years, with a focus on the first half of 2010.
I spent some time in Seattle recently talking to some of the authors and contributors. We filmed those discussions and will be releasing the videos over the next few weeks and months. Stay tuned for those!
Get the SIR v9 reports @ http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=b5f9eddc-70dc-4b11-996b-1bc6987c44b9.
Hopefully win number four will happen this afternoon against the Yankees.