Screencast: Master Your Environment with System Center Configuration Manager 2007 (Four-part Series)

This four-part series introduces you to System Center Configuration Manager 2007.

As more clients and servers are added to your environment, the task of managing these resources becomes much more complex. Knowing the range of available hardware and software, while keeping the machines current with the latest applications and patch updates can become onerous.  But don’t despair ­– there’s a solution to this problem. System Center Configuration Manager 2007 (SCCM 2007) is the ideal way to comprehensively assess, deploy, and update your servers, clients, and devices – across physical, virtual, distributed, and mobile environments. Not only can you take control of your infrastructure, but you can also leverage SCCM 2007’s integration with Network Access Protection (NAP) to quickly and easily remediate machines throughout the organization that don’t meet the network policy requirements. You’ll see how simple this remediation process can be, regardless of whether machines are communicating with your network through VPN, hardwired, or wireless connections.

Part 1 of 4:  The Administrator Console :  Review the basics of SCCM 2007

Part 2 of 4:  Site Server Roles : Discuss the different Site Server Roles and what each of role does.

Part 3 of 4:  Operating System Deployment and Software Update Management : Review the OSD functionality and integration with WSUS.

Part 4 of 4:  Desired Configuration Manager and Network Access Protection : Review DCM and see how NAP can be integrated with SCCM 2007 to remediate unhealthy systems.

Windows 7 Pricing Announced!!!!

One of the most common questions I have been asked at my live events and loadfests is the pricing structure for Windows 7.  Well, they have finally been announced and can be found HERE.  There are some upgrade specials to get 50% or more off on pre-orders!! 

Important Pre-Order Details

• Make sure your PC is compatible with Windows 7. Download and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor.
• Windows 7 will be available starting on Oct. 22, 2009.
• Your card will not be charged until your order is shipped or the product is made available for download.
• Promotional pricing is available on Windows 7 Home Premium and Windows 7 Professional upgrade versions only. This promotional pricing is a limited time offer, while supplies last, and is limited to three (3) copies per edition per customer.
• See the Pre-Orders section for additional details.

Windows 7 Pre-Order Promotional Pricing is a limited time offer good only on internet pre-orders of qualifying upgrade versions of Windows 7 (Home Premium Upgrade or Professional Upgrade) within the 50 US or DC. Offer good from June 26, 2009, until July 11, 2009, or while supplies last. Special pre-order promotional pricing is limited to three (3) copies per edition per customer. Offer does not apply to previous purchases, and is non-transferable and not redeemable for cash. A credit card is required at time of pre-order, but will not be charged until the item is shipped or available for download. Taxes and shipping and handling may apply

IMPORTANT!!!!! Windows 7 Beta Expiration

For those of you that installed Windows 7  Beta, thanks for your time and effort!!  This post is just a quick reminder to let you know it’s time to move to Windows 7 RC….. and fast!!!

Why?  What’s The Rush?

Because starting July 1st, 2009, systems running Windows 7 Beta will start to reboot every 2 hrs and expire Aug 1st, 2009.

Oh No…What Can I Do?

Simply download the Windows 7 RC, but remember you only have till August 15th because the RC program will be SHUTDOWN on that date. After that, you won’t be able to get the download, but you can still install the RC and get a key if you need one.

How Do I get a Key?

Simple, just go to the Downloads page and follow the instructions.

I’m Already on Windows 7 RC, How Does This Affect Me?

If you’re already using the Windows 7 Release Candidate, GREAT!!!!  We hope you like what you see!!  If you’d like to give some feedback on Windows 7 we’d love to hear it!!  Just go to http://input.microsoft.com and tell us what you think. You’ll be able to give feedback on various aspects of the operating system.

When Does Windows 7 RC Expire?

Great question and an important thing to remember.  The RC will expire June 1, 2010, and the bi-hourly shutdowns will begin on March 1, 2010.

Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC) Remote Server Administration Tools

I just received an email from one of my Windows 7 Loadfest attendees asking:

“Are there plans for remote admin server support via MMC under 7, I think Vista dropped this support for the standard toolset - AD, DHCP, DNS, Exchange, etc.”

Well it just so happens we already have that available and it can be found at the Windows 7 RSAT download page.  I have included a quick description from the download page in BLUE below:

“Remote Server Administration Tools for Windows 7 RC enables IT administrators to manage roles and features that are installed on remote computers that are running Windows Server 2008 R2 (and, for some roles and features, Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2003) from a remote computer that is running Windows 7 RC. It includes support for remote management of computers that are running either the Server Core or full installation options of Windows Server 2008 R2, and for some roles and features, Windows Server 2008. Some roles and features on Windows Server 2003 can be managed remotely by using Remote Server Administration Tools for Windows 7 RC, although the Server Core installation option is not available with the Windows Server 2003 operating system.
This feature is comparable in functionality to the Windows Server 2003 Administrative Tools Pack and Remote Server Administration Tools for Windows Vista with Service Pack 1 (SP1).”

New User Group in Atlanta: Atlanta Messaging, Mobility & Virtualization User Group

If you’re an IT Professional in the Atlanta area and you’re involved in messaging, mobility or virtualization then you need to join this group!!!

From the home page of the user group:

AVMPros members will have access to a document library filled with useful articles about anything concerning Virtualization & Unified Communications. Two very important aspects of AVMPros are;

• The forum where every member is able to ask questions and share ideas concerning Virtualization, Exchange & OCS

• The frequent events where AVMPros members meet each other and exchange ideas (Still under development)

Interested?  Then go signup at AVMPros User Group

Windows Server 2008: Windows Deployment Services - Can I use DFS for my images?

I was in a Windows Deployment Services (WDS) session the other day at TechEd 2009 and someone in the audience asked a question “Can you use Distributed File System (DFS) to store WDS Images?”

Great question, the answer is yes and no.

YES – You can install images on another server (not a Windows Deployment Services server) using DFS and still install the images by using Windows Deployment Services.

NO -  You CANNOT redirect the boot directory (that is, \\<server>\reminst\boot) using DFS. If you do, Windows Deployment Services will not start.

What are the Advantages of Storing the Image Files in DFS?

DFS provides two advantages:

1. Load balancing: Clients can be directed to computers other than the Windows Deployment Services server to download the image.

2. Simplified administration: When you use DFS replication technology, you can modify images on a single server and propagate changes to other distribution points.

To configure DFS namespaces for install images:

1. Install and configure Windows Deployment Services.

2. Install the DFS role service from the File Services server role in Server Manager. For more information about DFS, see Distributed File System (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=108012)

3. Create a file share on a secondary server. Grant permissions to the Windows Deployment Services server’s computer account. For example, if the server is called MyWDSServer, grant read/write permissions to MyWDSServer$.

4. Create a new namespace in DFS Management. For example, \\fileserver\MyNamespace for a stand-alone namespace or \\corp.woodgrovebank.com\MyNamespace for a domain-based namespace.

5. Add a new folder to the namespace and create an image group on the Windows Deployment Services server as the target folder. For example, create \\MyServerOrDomain\MyNamespace\ImageGroup in DFS Namespaces, and specify \\MyWDSServer\RemoteInstall\images\DFSImageGroupName as a target folder for that folder.

6. Add images to the Windows Deployment Services server.

7. Verify that the content appears when you connect to \\MyServerOrDomain\MyNamespace\ImageGroup.

8. Repeat this procedure for additional image groups.

Windows 7 RC Released for Public Download

If you’re interested in trying out Windows 7 then you’ll want to download the Windows 7 Release Candidate.   Click Download Windows 7 RC to get your 32-bit or 64-bit download.

From the website, here is some important information you need to know before you get started:

• You don't need to rush! The RC will be available at least through July, and we're not limiting the number of downloads or product keys. So you have plenty of time.

• Installation: If you are running Windows 7 Beta you’ll need to back up your data (preferably on an external device) and then do a clean install of the Windows 7 Release Candidate. Then, you’ll need to reinstall applications and restore your files. If you need help, please see the Installation Instructions.

• Tech details/updates: before installing the RC, please read the Release Notes and Things to Know for important information about the release.

• Routine news: For day-to-day news, keep an eye on the team blog. And, you can get non-technical news, tips, and offers by subscribing to the monthly Exploring Windows newsletter.

• Back up your data: We know you know this already, but please back up your data and please don't test the RC on your primary home or business PC.

• Keep your PC updated: To get critical updates, be sure to turn on automatic updates in Windows Update.

• Remember expiration dates: Please plan ahead for the Beta and RC expiration dates. To avoid interruption, you’ll need to rebuild your test machine using a valid version of Windows before the software expires. Windows will notify you that the expiration process is beginning and two weeks later your PC will begin shutting down every two hours. The Beta expires on August 1, 2009, and bi-hourly shutdowns will begin July 1, 2009. The RC will expire June 1, 2010, and the bi-hourly shutdowns will begin on March 1, 2010. In both cases, you’ll need to rebuild your test PC to replace the OS and reinstall all your programs and data.

Certification: Register for the Beta Exam 71-680: TS: Windows 7, Configuring – Registration opens April 27th

I know many of you are interested in keeping your certification up-to-date.  What better way to do this than to take the Windows 7 beta exam and be one of the first to get certified in Windows 7!!!

Registration doesn’t open up until April 27th and the exam period runs: May 5, 2009– May 18, 2009.

Want more information?  Then go to Beta Exam 71-680: TS: Windows 7, Configuring for detailed information and the registration code!!

Good luck!!!

 UPDATE:

Prep guide available at http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exams/70-680.aspx

Do you get it? Get what? TechNet Flash!!

TechNet Flash is a monthly newsletter for IT Professionals that helps keep you informed on what Microsoft (and other companies!) are doing in the IT Pro community.  A great example of the kind of nuggets it will point you to is a video that shows Migrating from Windows XP to Windows 7 Beta with Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010 Beta.  And you thought there was no path from Windows XP to Windows 7. 

Hopefully this 10 min video will put your mind at ease.

Here’s the abstract describing the video:

“ There's been a lot of press about how there isn't a an upgrade path from Windows XP to Windows 7.  In this video, Jeremy walked me through using the latest beta of the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit, specifically the User State Migration Tool, to transfer the user settings and files from a Window XP installation to a new install of Windows 7 on the same PC.  One of the really cool features in this new version is hardlink migration.  In the past, if you wanted to back up all of a users files and settings, those had to be transferred to a different drive, and the new OS install would wipe the machine, complete the new install, and then you'd transfer the files back.  With hardlink migration, all the files stay in place on the machine, and the Win7 install just updates file locations with hardlinks.  This means the install and settings transfer happens much faster, because the files aren't transferred at all, just the paths to them are updated.  It's really cool, and means you can have a fresh install of Win7, with all your XP files and settings, completed in as few as 30 minutes.”

Go ahead and check out the current Technet Flash and if you like it, and I know you will, subscribe to the flash!!!

Windows 7 Loadfests: Come on out and get a jumpstart on Windows 7!!!

Come spend the afternoon with us going through a fun, hands-on-lab and presentation-based seminar that will go over some the new features and benefits of Windows 7.  According to many independent reviews, Windows 7 will definitely be an OS to deploy in the enterprise, so it’s not a question of IF you will need to work with Windows 7, but rather WHEN.  That being the case, this is a great way to get a head start on the training you need RIGHT now with this FREE seminar, so you can be prepared when users call you about Windows 7.  This session will enable you to hit the road running on the latest version of Windows, or at the very least, help you find out if this is really as good as you have heard!

We will start the afternoon installing the latest available public build of Windows 7 on your test computer, (preferably laptop), that meets the minimum configuration listed below.  We will run through some of the key improvements that have been made from the user perspective and we’ll also take a look at some of the great new features Windows 7 has to better manage your computers in the corporate environment.

How Do I Register?

Click on one of the cities below to register.  All events will be held at the Microsoft facilities, check the registration page for address.

GA, Alpharetta - June 11, 2009   1PM-5PM

PA, Pittsburgh - June 17, 2009   1PM-5PM

PA, Malvern -  June 3, 2009   1PM-5PM

VA, Reston - June 5, 2009   1PM-5PM

System Requirements:

Make sure your desktop or laptop meets these minimum requirements:

• 1 GHz 32-bit or 64-bit processor

• 1 GB of system memory

• 16 GB of available disk space

• Support for DirectX 9 graphics with 128 MB memory (to enable the Aero theme)

• DVD-R/W Drive

IMPORTANT NOTES:

1. The system WILL BE WIPED, (unless you use virtualization), so do NOT bring systems that have any data on them that you wish to keep.
2. If you decide to bring a Desktop Computer please review the following:
   • We will NOT be providing monitors, keyboards, mice, or any associated cables, including power cables, so make sure you bring the required hardware to run your system.
   • Get there early as you will likely need a little more time to setup than the laptop users.
   • We will NOT have any hand trucks or carts to help you bring equipment in so, please come prepared.
3. There will be no ongoing support for the pre-release software after the loadfest. We will, however, make a best effort on the day to get your system up and running.
4. Make sure your test computer has a wireless card that works with Windows Vista/Windows 7.
5. There will be 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7 Beta DVDs available*. (while supplies last)
6. Refreshments and snacks will be provided.

*Offer open only to IT Professionals who are legal residents of the 50 United States (includes District of Columbia) who register and attend one of the Windows 7 Loadfests between May 7 and June 30, 2009. Limit one DVD per registered attendee while supplies last. This offer ends on June 30 , 2009, and is not redeemable for cash. Taxes, if any, are the sole responsibility of the recipient. Gift must be claimed on-site by the end of each event.

TechNet Events presents: Integrate your IT Environment

Is your IT Infrastructure fully dedicated to just one technology solution? Chances are you work in a heterogeneous environment that includes a variety of technologies from Microsoft®, Linux, MySQL and Apple. Integration becomes vital in order for your core business applications to maintain business flow and efficiency. How do you achieve identity integration? Run Open Source Software (OSS) on Windows Server® 2008? Ever wanted to leverage the power of SQL with your PHP applications? This innovative roadshow will answer these questions and many others to get your integrated environment up and running smoothly.

Session 1:  Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Interop with Linux and OS X

Do you have existing Linux workstations and servers? Are you buying Apple notebooks for your personnel? If so, then you’re probably wondering how to secure and share information across your organization. Join us for a session that demonstrates how to authenticate and manage non-Windows operating systems. We’ll explore Active Directory (AD) extensions, management tools, security, file sharing, desktop management and a number of other key challenges we all face on a daily basis. Get set for some great demonstrations and plenty of time for questions and answers.

Session 2: Running Open Source Software (OSS) on Window Server 2008

Are you afraid to run open source software on Windows Server 2008? Fear no more; it’s easier than you think. Come discuss running LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP) on Windows Server 2008. Not interested in Linux? No problem.  You’ll also learn how to run open source applications with IIS7, MySQL and PHP. Along the way, we’ll compare and contrast the optimum maintenance, operation and monitoring of these diverse systems and applications. This session will include several informative demonstrations and you’ll get plenty of time to ask questions.

Session 3: SQL Server 2008 and PHP Web Application Infrastructure

Do you want to take advantage of SQL Server’s great new features for your PHP sites? Join us for this session and learn how to make it happen. We’ll show you how to leverage your existing development resources and PHP knowledge by simply changing the backend to Microsoft SQL Server 2008. We’ll walk through the necessary steps to get PHP and SQL Server working together and you’ll see how to enjoy a successful deployment and post-deployment experience. You’ll also learn where to find the information you need when you deploy and scale PHP on SQL Server, including details about security, performance, backup, managing and monitoring. After the step-by-step deployment instructions and some helpful working demos, we’ll be happy to entertain your questions.

How Do I Register?

Register and attend any roadshow event for your chance to win*:

· A Lenovo Thinkpad T61p Laptop. (Approximate Retail Value (ARV) US $1,700)

· An Xbox 360® Video Game Entertainment System. (ARV US $300)

· A 120 GB Zune® Digital Media Player. (ARV US $250)

· A 8 GB Zune Digital Media Player. (ARV US $150)

· A full copy of Microsoft Office Professional 2007 (ARV US $499)

· A full copy of Windows Vista® Ultimate (ARV US $399)

Just click on a city below to register!!

REGISTER NOW AS SPACE IS LIMITED!!!!!!

Internet Explorer 8 FireStarter Event!!!

So you already downloaded Internet Explorer 8 and love the Web Slices feature. But did you know there’s lot more to IE8 than just Web Slices? Come attend the Internet Explorer 8 FireStarter event in Redmond on March 26th and learn why Internet Explorer 8 is the browser designed for the way your customers really use the web. Enhanced tools and options make it fast and easy for you to build add-ons or deploy in your organization. Learn about Accelerators, SmartScreen™ filter, deployment best practices, compatibility and migration issue, and much more…

This daylong event is targeted at both IT Professionals and Developers. Take a look at the agenda below and let me know if you have any questions.

Event Name: Internet Explorer 8 FireStarter (IE8 FireStarter)

Event Date: March 26^th, 2009

Event Time: 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM (Registration starts at 8:00 AM, Lunch provided by Microsoft)

Event Location: Microsoft Redwest Campus

Building: Redwest-E – Room: Emerald Auditorium

5600 148th Avenue N.E.

REDMOND, WA, 98052 – USA

Register to Attend In-Person

If you cannot attend in person, we are also broadcasting the event online. You MUST register for the online version to watch it on your computer

Register to watch the event online:

Follow all updates on my blog – http://blogs.msdn.com/mithund; Questions – Contact Mithun Dhar

Just Released!! Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 and Windows Vista Service Pack 2 RC

On March 4^th the Release Candidate build (16670) was released to our CPP participants for testing.  If you have the prior version of Service Pack 2 installed (Beta build 16497) you will need to un-install it before installing the newer RC build(16670) from the links below.

Service Pack 2 (SP2) for Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista Release Candidate is an update to Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008.

Prerequisites

If you have a prior version of SP2 installed, it must be un-installed prior to installing RC

• Use the Control Panel applet “Programs and Features” and select “View installed updates” from the top left of the task pane, under Windows, look for KB948465

You must have a genuine copy of Windows Server 2008 with SP1 or Windows Vista with SP1 installed on the computer prior to installing SP2

• Windows Server 2008 released with the Service Pack 1 code included
• SP2 is the first post-release Service Pack for Windows Server 2008

Recommendations

• Windows Server 2008/Windows Vista SP2 is applicable and recommended to individuals, organizations, and technical enthusiasts who are comfortable evaluating pre-release software
• This pre-release software is provided for testing purposes only
• We do not recommend installing this software on primary, production or mission critical systems
• We recommend that you have a backup of your data prior to installing any pre-release software
• If “vLite” was used to customize your Windows Vista installation, you may have removed required system components which prevent Service Pack 2 from installing; if you wish to install SP2, a reinstall of SP1 without vLite is recommended

Service Pack Information

• SP2 RC is pre-release code which will change before the final release of SP2
• Windows Server 2008 SP2/Windows Vista SP2 RC is time-limited software that will operate until June 1^st, 2010 - Un-install Windows Server 2008 SP2/Windows Vista SP2 RC before June 1^st, 2010
  • After SP2 installation your desktop may display the text “Evaluation Copy”. This does not mean that your system is no longer “Genuine”, only that you have installed a test version of software which is time-limited
  • After installing the service pack, the “Evaluation Copy” text may show up on the 2^nd boot
  • After un-installing the services pack, the "Evaluation Copy" text may remain during the first boot, but will disappear after the next reboot
• Starting any Windows Server 2008 SP2 or Windows Vista SP2 installations will result in Microsoft collecting information about the installation process

Download SP2 Release Candidate

Just added to the TechNet Event Schedule – Atlanta, GA April 1st, 2009

Join me for this additional event at the Microsoft office in Alpharetta for a look at some valuable new tools and technical content.  I will be delivering 3 sessions (see below for session detail). 

First, we’ll explore Microsoft’s vision of cloud computing, take a quick tour of Microsoft Online Services and Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and discuss how the Software-plus-Services computing model blends the power of local software with the benefits of the Internet. 

The second session will look at why System Center Configuration Manager 2007 is a great way to comprehensively assess, deploy and update your servers, clients and devices. 

And in the third session we’ll demonstrate the features and functionality of Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 and show you how to harness this powerful virtualization management platform.

=================================================================================================================================================

Session 1: Where the Web meets local software: Cloud computing with Software-plus-Services

With the ever-growing power of devices and the increasing ubiquity of the Web, Software-plus-Services is an emerging computing model that combines the power of local software with the benefits of the Internet. Software-plus-Services represents an industry shift toward design that is neither exclusively software-centric, nor browser-focused. Microsoft envisions a world where rich, highly functional and elegant experiences extend from the PC to the Web to the devices people use every day. This session will explore Microsoft’s vision of cloud computing, and take you on a quick tour of Microsoft Online Services and Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS). BPOS is a set of Microsoft-hosted messaging and collaboration solutions, including Microsoft Exchange Online, Microsoft SharePoint Online, Microsoft Office Live Meeting, and Microsoft Office Communications Online. A Software-plus-Services computing model such as BPOS is pertinent to businesses of various sizes, because it reduces the need for IT to maintain hardware and software, while offering high availability, comprehensive security, and simplified IT management on mission critical applications and platforms.

====================================================================================================================================

Session 2:  Master your environment with System Center Configuration Manager 2007

As more clients and servers are added to your environment, the task of managing these resources becomes much more complex. Knowing the range of available hardware and software, while keeping the machines current with the latest applications and patch updates can become onerous.  But don’t despair ¬– there’s a solution to this problem. System Center Configuration Manager 2007 (SCCM 2007) is the ideal way to comprehensively assess, deploy, and update your servers, clients, and devices – across physical, virtual, distributed, and mobile environments. See how you can take control of your infrastructure, and you can also leverage SCCM 2007’s integration with Network Access Protection (NAP) to quickly and easily remediate machines throughout the organization that don’t meet the network policy requirements. You’ll see how simple this remediation process can be, regardless of whether machines are communicating with your network through VPN, hardwired, or wireless connections.

==========================================================================================================================

Session 3:  Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 – A Technical Overview

Did you know that Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 can manage ALL of your server virtualization? Not only does SCVMM 2008 manage your Windows Virtual Server virtualization, but this latest version also manages Hyper-V, and even VMWare-based virtualization. SCVMM 2008 is the solid foundation for all of your mission-critical virtualization management. We’ll introduce you to the benefits and functionality of this powerful virtualization management platform and how it fits into the big picture of efficient and dynamic virtualized computing resource management. We’ll also demonstrate the solution’s key features and tools. You’ll leave with a better understanding of how System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 can help you to effectively and productively manage your virtualized

Click here to Register Today!!!

TechNet Events are free learning sessions designed to tackle your toughest IT challenges. You’ll always get the latest tips, tools and inside information with lots of time to talk shop with your peers!!

Announcing the first Atlanta Active Directory Users Group meeting!

In Atlanta?  Interested in Active Directory?

Then you’ll probably be very interested in this new user group Gary has formed – the Atlanta Active Directory Users Group.  Below is information on the meeting which will be taking place on Tuesday March 10, 2009 at 7:00 pm

If you’re interested in coming send Gary an email, his address is at the bottom of the post.

See you there!!!!!!

John Baker

==================================================================================================================================================

The goal of AADUG is to get folks together who are interested in AD technologies, and to get some expert speakers to present on timely topics. With new products like Windows 2008 R2, HyperV, Windows7, and IE 8, as well as our old friends like security, authentication, replication and troubleshooting, there is no end to important topics. It will also give us a chance to network with others who work with AD and perhaps share problems and experiences and socialize a bit. Microsoft is supporting us with speakers, a place to meet and some occasional goodies to give away (see below).

In the first meeting we’ll get organized with future meeting plans, topics you are interested in, and hopefully talk some of you into helping with things like a web page, newsletter, and doing presentations. I’m quite impressed by the number of people interested so far – and in a wide variety of industries. I think it will be great to see what everyone is doing with AD. So – take a look at the meeting details and send an RSVP to me at gary.olsen@hp.com so we know what to plan on.

And please forward this to anyone else who is interested!

Best regards,

Gary Olsen
Systems Software Engineer – Hewlett-Packard Company
Microsoft MVP – Directory Services.

Meeting Agenda