System Center Configuration Manager 2007: Hands-On

What is this course about?

Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 offers significant enhancements for Windows resource management through comprehensive inventory collection, software distribution, Windows OS deployment and security patching. SCCM allows organizations to reduce the total cost of ownership and gain control over their computing environments.

Throughout this course, you gain the skills to install, configure and deploy SCCM throughout your enterprise. You gain the knowledge to plan and manage the SCCM installation, manage security updates, track inventory, distribute software and operating systems and support users remotely.

What background knowledge do I need?

Experience with Microsoft Windows at the level of Course 960, Windows Server^® 2008: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction, is assumed. For example, you should have an understanding of network administration, the Active Directory, server roles and file system security (DACL). Knowledge of TCP/IP, Group Policies and SQL Server is also helpful.

Who will benefit from this course?

Anyone involved in using or evaluating SCCM as an enterprise management solution, including network administrators, system administrators, application re-packagers, desktop management specialists, help desk personnel, and those in charge of asset management for their organization will benefit from this course.

What is the difference between SMS 2003 and SCCM 2007?

There are many differences between the two products and several major enhancements in SCCM. Some of the new features include: Wake-On LAN support, Internet-based client management, NAP, and DCM. Major enhancements are to the Operating System Deployment, Security Updates deployment, Mobile Device management and Asset intelligence. SCCM also has a new and improved interface.

Which client installation methods are covered in the course?

In this course, we cover eight client installation methods, including: Client Push, Group Policy, logon script, Software Update Point, software distribution, upgrade installation, manual and client imaging.

What other names does the SCCM go by?

SCCM is associated with the following:

• Config Manager (ConfigMgr)

• Configuration Manager

• SMS 4

• SMS 2007

I manage a heterogeneous environment. Will this course help me?

Yes, all skills learned in this course are equally applicable to UNIX, Linux and Macintosh systems with the aid of third party plug-in tools, however, this course does not cover these third-party tools.

Does this course cover any other System Center tools?

No, we only cover one tool in the System Center tool suite, SCCM. There are 11 additional tools in the System Center family: Systems Center Essentials, Systems Center Operations Manager, etc.

Does this course incorporate SCCM SP1?

Yes. SP1 has been fully integrated into this course and hands-on exercises are based on SCCM SP1.

If I am working in a Windows Server 2003 environment, is this course applicable to me?

Yes, SCCM is fully compatible with Windows Server 2003 and Windows Server 2008.

How much time is spent on each topic?

How much time is devoted to course exercises?

Exercises throughout this course account for approximately 40 percent of class time. You gain immediate hands-on experience applying concepts learned in class, including:

• Installing and configuring SCCM
• Configuring discovery methods
• Setting up client agents and creating collections
• Deploying SCCM clients
• Distributing applications and security updates
• Managing clients remotely
• Recovering sites with the Site Recovery Wizard

How does this course relate to other Learning Tree courses?

Learning Tree offers a variety of courses throughout an extensive MS Windows curriculum, including:

• 963, Windows Server® 2008 Group Policy Management: Hands-On 
• 961, Windows Server® 2008 Administration: Hands-On 
• 962, Windows Server® 2008 Active Directory Domain Services: Hands-On 
• 966, Internet Information Services 7.5 for Windows Server® 2008: Hands-On 
• 968, Windows Server® 2008 Hyper-V? Virtualization: Hands-On 
• 969, Windows PowerShell? Hands-On: Automating Administrative Tasks 
• 315, Developing User Requirements: The Key to Project Success