The latest version of System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) is a dramatic update of its predecessor Configuration Manager 2007, and this book offers intermediate-to-advanced coverage of how the new SCCM boasts a simplified hierarchy, role-based security, a new console, flexible application deployment, and mobile management. You'll explore planning and installation, migrating from SCCM 2007, deploying software and operating systems, security, monitoring and troubleshooting, and automating and customizing SCCM 2012 with scripts.

• Features an unparalleled team of authors, two of whom are insiders at Microsoft and have worked with SCCM since nearly its inception
• Provides in-depth coverage and offers a hands-on approach to learning all there is to know about SCCM
• Explores why SCCM 2012 is the most significant update in its 16-year history

Packed with real-world scenarios to show you how to use SCCM in various contexts,Mastering System Center Configuration Manager 2012covers all aspects of this powerful and complete network software deployment tool.

This book is your most complete source for in-depth information about Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007!

System Center Configuration Manager 2007 Unleashedis a comprehensive guide to System Center Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr) 2007. ConfigMgr 2007 helps you manage servers and desktops, integrates SMS 2003“feature pack” functionality, and adds new capabilities. It enables you to assess, deploy, and update servers, clients, and devices across physical, virtual, distributed, and mobile environments, including clients that connect only over the Internet. This book guides you through designing, deploying, and configuring ConfigMgr 2007 with detailed information on topics such as capacity planning, security, site design and hierarchy planning, server placement, discovery, native mode, and using Windows Server 2008. You will learn how to tackle challenges such as setting up DCM and OSD, customizing inventory, creating queries and using query results, and configuring asset intelligence.

Detailed information on how to…

•  Understand how ConfigMgr works

•  Plan your ConfigMgr deployment

•  Manage Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI)

•  Architect for performance

•  Install or migrate to ConfigMgr 2007 with Windows 2003 or Windows 2008

•  Discover and manage clients

•  Create and distribute packages

•  Understand patch and compliance management

•  Create queries

•  Use reports

•  Deploy operating systems

•  Secure ConfigMgr 2007

•  Perform site maintenance

•  Back up ConfigMgr components