Introduction to MDT 2012 (MDT 2012: Module-1)

Learning Windows Deployment Tools 2012 can be overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be. Your choices are Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2012 (MDT 2012), Windows Deployment Service (WDS) or System Center Configuration Manager 2012 (SCCM). Don’t waste time implementing the wrong tool or making common mistakes. Introduction to MDT 2012, In this session you’ll learn how to create and deploy your images using the MDT 2012 (yes it’s brand new and cooler than ever). Making changes to your images is easier than ever whether your changing the version of an application or the operating system to be deployed it’s a snap. Running deployments using the default settings works just fine but can sometimes be redundant answering the same questions over and over again. Automating the deployments let’s you hide the pages you don’t want to see and provide the answers under the hood – learn the best cheat sheet ever for your settings. The new features of MDT 2012 are really impressive, from true UEFI support to monitoring your deployments during the WinPE phase; you’ve got to check these out.

Source: Microsoft Technet

MDT 2012 Advanced (MDT 2012:Module-2)

At first glance the MDT 2012 UI may look like the previous versions but it has some hidden secrets. The properties of your deployment share control a lot about your deployments. In this session you'll learn how to control driver injection into your WinPEs (both x86 and x64) and .ISO creation. Migrating your XP workstations is completely different than installing to a bare metal machine, learn how to refresh the OS on an existing machine or replace existing machines with new while still maintaining users data and settings. In a perfect world everything should just work right? But we don't live in a perfect world and sometimes things don't work. Find out how to troubleshoot the log files to determine why things didn't work and resolve them quickly to get your deployments moving in the right direction.

Source: Microsoft Technet

WDS Deployment (MDT 2012:Module-3)

This video session is begins with installing and configuring WDS along with the most common infrastructure issues companies run into. Automating WDS is completely different than automating MDT so you'll meet the Windows System Image Manager (WSIM) tool to create your own unattend scripts. Managing WDS images is a whole different story as well - here you'll visit the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) utility.

Source: Microsoft Technet

ZTI Deployment using SCCM (MDT 2012:Module-4)

SCCM is the only deployment solution from Micrsoft that provides Zero Touch Installations (ZTI) and is considered the Big Daddy of deployment. If you’ve never worked with SCCM or just want to take a peek at the newest version this video session is for you. We’ll begin with terminology to get everyone up to speed, and set up a complete ZTI deployment solution. In this session you’ll also learn how to integrate MDT and WDS into SCCM and why you would want to.

Source: Microsoft Technet

Troubleshooting SCCM ZTI deployments (MDT 2012:Module-5)

Troubleshooting is one of the most important skills to acquire and that skill set is based on really understanding the deployment process. In this video session you'll learn the entire ZTI process and where the log files reside for troubleshooting etc.. etc...

Source: Microsoft Technet

Zero Touch Operating System Deployment using MDT & SCCM 2007

This video tutorial / Screencast walks you through all the steps to prepare for a zero touch installation of a Windows image using Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) and System Center Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr) 2007:

Setup the server environment for ConfigMgr 2007 OS deployment

Configure the ConfigMgr 2007 Site Settings

Configure the ConfigMgr 2007 Computer Management Settings

Configure the ConfigMgr 2007 Operating System Deployment Settings

Setup and use MDT integration with ConfigMgr 2007

Add a reference machine object to ConfigMgr 2007

Create a build and capture reference image for mass deployment using ConfigMgr 2007

Source: Microsoft Technet

Configuration Manager 2012 Guide (Level 200): Module1

Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2012—Overview

With this topic we try to explore the major changes coming in System Center Configuration Manager 2012. On completion of this article gives you an overview of Configuration Manager 2012, shows how it empowers users, consolidate or unifies infrastructure and how it eases administrators job.

In the below video guide, you will learn the major parts of Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2012, and how the product fits into your evolving data center and private cloud infrastructure. Industry trends are moving toward highly virtualized infrastructures, and more user-centric models for managing systems and distributing software. 

The Video guide:

System Center Configuration Manager 2012 Technical Overview Slide.

Source: https://www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com  

Configuration Manager 2012 Guide (Level 200): Module2

Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2012-Deployment and Infrastructure Technical Overview

This module will also cover how System Center 2012 Configuration Manager makes it easier to service the rapidly growing number of connected devices in your organization, such as smartphones, tablets, and virtual machines, through centralized global configuration management. 

The video module will also covver the changes that help simplify the configuration and management of the infrastructure, how to use System Center 2012 Configuration Manager to gain insight to and control IT systems through easier maintenance, improved security and simplified configuration, as well as a number of other new features and updates to self-service application delivery, integrated settings management, antivirus management, UNIX and Linux support, compliance improvements, security updates, the new GUI, and much more....

The Video guide:

Extra Learning Kit

Deploying Clients for System Center 2012 Configuration Manager

Source: https://www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com

Configuration Manager 2012 Guide (Level 200): Module3

System Center Configuration Manager 2012 Overview and Infrastructure - Application Management Part 1

In this Microsoft technet video guide you will learn the basics of application management in System Center Configuration Manager 2012. See the changes in Software Distribution (SWD) and how this is used in Private Cloud, SaaS, App-V, VDI and mobile environments.

The Video guide:

Source: https://www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com

Configuration Manager 2012 Guide (Level 200): Module4

System Center Configuration Manager 2012 Overview and Infrastructure - Application Management Part 2

In this video module you will learn more about Software Distribution (SWD) and application management. This will look more in depth at enhance detection methods, application uninstallation and supersedence, as well as some other new features introduced with SCCM 2012.

The Video guide:

Source: https://www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com

Configuration Manager 2012 Guide (Level 200): Module5

System Center Configuration Manager 2012 Overview and Infrastructure - Compliance and Settings Management

 

 In this video module you will see how System Center Configuration Manager 2012 will enhance the compliance, security and customization in your datacenter. This video covers configuration items, baselines, deployment, collection and the ConfigMgr Agent. 

The Video guide:

 

Source: https://www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com

Configuration Manager 2012 Guide (Level 200): Module6

System Center Configuration Manager 2012 Overview and Infrastructure - Software Update Management

System Center Configuration Manager 2012 has enhanced in Software Update Management (SUM) to made it easier to configure, deploy and maintain the software in your environment. Learn more about superseded updates, the SUM admin role, client agent settings, simplified update groups, automation, GUI changes, alerts, reporting and the content library in this video.

The Video guide:

Source: https://www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com

Configuration Manager 2012 Guide (Level 200): Module7

Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2012—Enabling Flexible Work Styles with Intelligent Infrastructure

In this video module, you will learn how every person has a unique work style and a set of preferences for where, how, and when to work. It will show you how Microsoft offers flexible solutions to meet the needs of people and the IT departments that support them. Microsoft technologies are flexible and match the unique needs and styles of individuals. Using enterprise-grade solutions such as System Center Configuration Manager 2012 will help you to design, maintain, secure, and streamline your private cloud infrastructure, while reducing costs.

In this video module, you will be provided an overview of the current marketplace trends, in particular the consumerization of IT, and the solutions Microsoft has available for these trends. Consumerization of IT refers to the increasing say that users have about what technologies and devices they use to work. With this course, you will learn about using features in Configuration Manager 2012 to accommodate this trend. You will also learn how Configuration Manager 2012 helps you to manage the private cloud infrastructure that tech-savvy users need to support their new way of working.

The Video guide:

Source: https://www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com

Free eBook "Introducing Windows Server 2012"

Microsoft Press released free eBook on  "Introducing Windows Server 2012" authored by Mitch Tulloch. The book is written based on the Beta version and which covers following chapters.


Chapter 1: The business need for Windows Server 2012 The rationale behind cloud computing Making the transition
Technical requirements for successful cloud computing
Four ways Windows Server 2012 delivers value for cloud computing Foundation for building your private cloud

Chapter 2: Foundation for building your private cloud A complete virtualization platform
Increase scalability and performance Business continuity for virtualized workloads

Chapter 3: Highly available, easy-to-manage multi-server platform
Continuous availability
Cost efficiency
Management efficiency

Chapter 4: Deploy web applications on premises and in the cloud Scalable and elastic web platform
Support for open standards

Chapter 5: Enabling the modern workstyle Access virtually anywhere, from any device
Full Windows experience
Enhanced security and compliance

Download PDF version of this book with this link...

Source: MSDN Blog...

BITPro UG Event and Certification Drive

BangaloreITPro User Group is one of the most active IT Professional community in Bangalore. With the help of microsoft and other community sponsers BITPro User Group conducts lot of technical events and other technical knowledge sharing drives.

BITPro & Microsoft India jointly took a initiative to help community members to achieve Microsoft certification on Windows Server 2008 R2 Virtualization. If you are a Microsoft Virtualization professional or enthusiast, just be part of technical training on 2nd June 2012 and have a chance of winning Free Certification Vouchers.

For more details Visit BITPro User Group portal.

MDOP - DaRT 7

Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset is part of Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack. The above toolset helps you to troubleshoot and repair Windows-based desktops. By using DaRT, you can analyze an issue to determine its cause, for example, by inspecting the computer’s event log or system registry. You can also integrate this tools with your Windows recovery environment (WinRE). This is toolset is bundled with powerful troubleshooting tools such as Registry Editor, Locksmith, Crash Analyzer, File Restore, Disk Commander, Disk Wipe, Computer Management, Explorer, Solution Wizard, TCP/IP Config, Hotfix Uninstall, SFC Scan, Search, Standalone System Sweeper and Remote Connection.

DaRT with above said toolset help you fix a problem as soon as you determine the cause. You can use the tools in DaRT to disable a faulty device driver, remove hotfixes, restore deleted files, Reset Administrator Password and scan the computer for malware even when you cannot or should not start the installed Windows operating system. Which works with both x86 and x64 flavours.

For more details please go through the link About DaRT 7 or Getting Started with DaRT 7

For more information about how to deploy DaRT, see Deploy the DaRT 7 Recovery Image.

MDT 2012—Now Available for Download!!

Microsoft Announced that, the MDT 2012 is now officially available for download.

Download the latest release of MDT 2012 to stay up-to-date on your Operating system deployment needs. New features and enhancements make large-scale desktop and server deployments smoother than before.

Key Benefits:
· Support for Configuration Manager 2012
· Customizable deployment questions
· Ease Lite Touch installation
· Secure deployments
· Reliability and flexibility
· Support for Windows 8

Support for Configuration Manager 2012: This update provides support for Configuration Manager 2012 RC2 releases. MDT 2012 fully leverages the capabilities provided by Configuration Manager 2012 for OS deployment. The latest version of MDT offers new User-Driven Installation components and extensibility for Configuration Manager 2007 and 2012. Users now also have the ability to migrate MDT 2012 task sequences from Configuration Manager 2007 to Configuration Manager 2012.

Customize deployment questions: For System Center Configuration Manager customers, MDT 2012 provides an improved, extensible wizard and designer for customizing deployment questions.
Ease Lite Touch installation:The Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolkit (DaRT) is now integrated with Lite Touch Installation, providing remote control and diagnostics. New monitoring capabilities are available to check on the status of currently running deployments. LTI now has an improved deployment wizard user experience. Enhanced partitioning support ensures that deployments work regardless of the current structure.
Secure Deployments:MDT 2012 offers integration with the Microsoft Security Compliance Manager (SCM) tool to ensure a secure Windows deployment from the start.

Reliability and flexibility: Existing MDT users will find more reliability and flexibility with the many small enhancements and bug fixes and a smooth and simple upgrade process.

Support for Windows 8: MDT 2012 provides support for deploying Windows 8 Consumer Preview and Windows Server “8” Beta in a lab environment.

MDT works with the Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit and Security Compliance Manager to help you plan, securely deploy, and manage new Microsoft technologies—easier, faster, and at less cost.

Learn more at Solutionaccelerators


Microsoft Download Center to download MDT 2012


MDT home page

Introduction to VMware View 5 - Series1

Here with below link you can find the detailed introduction of "VMware View 5". This webcast covers the details about "End User Computing Trends and Vision" and "VMware View 5 - Whats new".

Please logon to webcast and deep dive into VMware virtualization world and transformation trends of VMware with regards to End User Computing virtulization.

Introduction to VMware View 5