- Topics Mentioned
- Software:
- Microsoft System Center
My new BFF is SCCM!
Here at Train Signal I am working on a training course about Microsoft’s System Center Configuration Manager 2007 R2. As Gosia mentioned in a previous article, Configuration Manager is just one part of System Center. The knowledge that I sap up while polishing instructor Scott Lowe’s Configuration Manager videos has been my first taste of the System Center line. Let me tell you I am really liking it. I can see its potential to make life easier for IT pros at medium to large sized businesses.
Configuration Manager Can …
In case you aren’t familiar with its repertoire SCCM allows you to manage all sorts of tasks from within one program. No more Remote Desktop-ing in or – heaven forbid - walking over to a machine.
Here are a few things that System Center Configuration Manager can do:
- Deploy operating systems (even servers!)
- Software distribution, management, and updates
- Manage security, support, updates, and more for mobile users
- Very, very detailed and expansive reporting
- Total Asset Intelligence – know what software and hardware you have where, how it is configured, and how often it is used
- Desired Configuration Management – set a baseline for desired configurations and SCCM will let you know what doesn’t comply
SCCM Certification Exam
Whenever you decide to tackle another Microsoft technology, one thing to consider is certification. You guessed it – Microsoft offers a SCCM certification. It is called Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007, Configuring.
The exam number is Exam 70-401. If you would like more information here is the Microsoft Learning page on the 70-401 exam. One neat thing about the 401 exam is that it can be used as an elective requirement for the MCSA or MCSE 2003 certifications.
Links to Configuration Manager Resources
I just know you can’t wait for Train Signal to release the SCCM training. To tide you over until then here are some resources.
Blogs to Bookmark
- System Center Configuration Manager Team Blog
- The Configuration Manager Support Team Blog
- Configuration Manager with Jason Lewis
Training and Learning
- Virtual Labs – The two 90 min lab topics are: Introduction to System Center Configuration Manager 2007 and Upgrading from Microsoft Systems Management Server 2003 to System Center Configuration Manager 2007
- Pre-Configured Virtual Hard Disc so you can play with Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 R2
- Best Practices for Certificate Management (The PKI kind not the exam kind)
- Train Signal’s upcoming SCCM training *Now Available!*
I see the SCCM videos are available for purchase, but I see it says “More Videos To Come”. If I purchase and then when the new videos are released, do I have to pay additional for those videos?
Installing software: SCCM 2007 vs Server 2008: Which is better? SCCM 2007 or using GPO’s in server 2008
Dustin,
A preview of the SCCM course is featured on our website, but it is not for sale at this time. At this time the information available about the videos on the website is incomplete. When product does go on sale the webpage will be updated with information about all the videos included in the course.
Thanks for your intrest!
Dustin,
The tool of choice – SCCM or W2K8 GPO’s is definitely a matter of choice, budget and other needs. Obviously, if you already own W2K8, GPO’s are “free” but you would need to buy SCCM to do the same. That said, if you have other needs, such as centralizing the administrative tasks for your desktop computing infrastructure to include rolling your existing WSUS, imaging/OS deployment and software distribution methods into a single administrative entity, then SCCM is a FAR better choice. SCCM also takes GPOs completely out of the equation as everything is handled through the use of SCCM’s client agents. Although SCCM is a relatively complex product to get complete up and running, it’s no harder than using GPOs for a lot of things and does provide you with incredible management capability that you would otherwise not have.
Scott Lowe
SCCM course
Dear Trainsignal
Try to release sccm 2007 ASAP.will i able to install the software silenlty by using sccm 2007.
please prepare the video for junipher firewall,fortinet firewall pix firewall brcause these are leading firewall in IT industry.
Dear Trainsignal
Psloggedon tool is able to resolve the names in windows xp those who loggedon locally.
The same tool is not working with windows vista.
Could please suggest a new tool.
The new SCCM is a superior tool although it is more expensive and arguably harder to learn than GPO’s in Server 2008.