Applying Change and Configuration Management
Client computer configurations, and the ways in which desktops and laptops are used, are becoming increasingly sophisticated. The solutions and services that information technology (IT) needs to provide to users are also becoming more sophisticated. Microsoft® Windows® 2000 provides a number of advanced change and configuration management features that allow you to make users' settings, documents, and software available to them even when they use another computer. In addition, these Active Directory™–enabled features allow you to offer a nearly identical replacement for a user's computer in case a hard disk or other component fails.
The planning steps needed to implement the advanced client management features in Windows 2000, which are commonly referred to as IntelliMirror™, are outlined in this chapter. You will also learn how to incorporate Remote Operating System (OS) Installation into your client support plan. Before reading this chapter, understand and complete the planning steps defined in the chapters "Defining Client Administration and Configuration Standards" and "Designing the Active Directory Structure ."
In This Chapter
Evaluating Change and Configuration Management
Enabling Remote OS Installation
Using Group Policy to Improve Software Management
Maintaining User Data and Settings on a Network
Selecting Change and Configuration Management Options for Your Organization
Change and Configuration Management Planning Task List
Chapter Goals
This chapter will help you develop the following planning documents:
IntelliMirror Implementation Plan
Remote OS Installation Implementation Plan
Related Information in the Resource Kit
For more information about basic client configuration options and using Group Policy to manage Windows 2000 clients, see "Defining Client Administration and Configuration Standards" in this book.
For more information about using Systems Management Server, see "Using Systems Management Server to Deploy Windows 2000" in this book.
For more information about testing and piloting Windows 2000 technologies, see "Building a Windows 2000 Test Lab" and "Conducting Your Windows 2000 Pilot" in this book.