Course Overview
An effective deployment strategy is essential to the successful integration of Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 in your organisation. This course provides the knowledge and skills to plan, manage and optimise client and server deployments. You also learn to administer licensing and facilitate cost-effective migration and security updates.
This course has been classified as IT Technical Training.
Audience
This course is valuable for those responsible for deploying and managing Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 in an enterprise environment. Course 950, "Windows Vista Comprehensive Introduction", Course 960, "Windows Server 2008 Comprehensive Introduction", or equivalent knowledge is assumed.
Skills Gained
- Plan and deploy Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 in the enterprise
- Develop customised Windows Imaging Format (WIM) files
- Manage licensing and continuous client reactivation
- Streamline migration and security updates to reduce implementation costs
- Automate deployments through Lite Touch Installations and Zero Touch Installations
- Maintain deployment images through offline editing
Course Outline
Planning a Windows Deployment
Investigating the new deployment technologies
- Initiating setup from Windows PE
- Applying images to install Windows
Developing a deployment strategy
- Evaluating Windows editions for business needs
- Automating installation for reliability and performance
- Contrasting thick, thin and hybrid images
- Optimising deployment with appropriate media
Selecting a distribution method
- DVD
- USB drive
- Network shares
- Storing images in Windows Imaging (WIM) format
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Building Standardised Images
Creating the reference computer
- Setting up the Windows Automated Installation Kit (WAIK)
- Generating answer files with Windows System Image Manager (SIM)
- Adding applications to the OS
- Customising system settings
Exporting the master image
- Generalising the system with the System Preparation Tool (SysPrep)
- Constructing the Windows PE boot media
- Defining the file exclusion list
- Capturing the image for distribution
Deploying to target computers
- Preparing destination drives with DiskPart and automation utilities
- Applying images with ImageX
Licensing Activation and Management
Analysing licensing models
- Comparing licence types
- Reviewing Windows Genuine Advantage
- Troubleshooting activation issues
- Resolving Windows Activation Failures
Multiple Activation Keys (MAK)
- Identifying preferred MAK clients
- Applying MAK to numerous machines
- Leveraging the Volume Activation Management Tool
Key Management Service (KMS)
- Designing a KMS licence infrastructure
- Installing and configuring the KMS machine
- Periodic client reactivation requirements
Scripting Deployment Tasks
Migrating user environments to Windows Vista
- Contrasting in-place and clean installations
- Copying data and settings with Windows Easy Transfer
- Relocating user environments with the User State Migration Tool (USMT)
Implementing BitLocker drive encryption
- Selecting appropriate key storage and recovery options
- Preparing systems with the Drive Preparation Tool
- Rolling out BitLocker
Configuring Windows Server 2008 features
- Enabling Windows Server roles
- Automating domain setup with automation scripts
Maintaining Images and Image Files
Preparing images for editing
- Mounting images in writable mode
- Applying and recapturing from alternate locations
Updating WIM file format images
- Adding and removing packages with the Package Manager (pkmgr)
- Injecting third-party drivers
- Editing the Windows file system and registry offline
- Applying hotfixes and updates to an image file
Optimising Deployments
Assembling custom WIMs
- Building Windows distribution shares
- Constructing deployment points
- Integrating software applications
Microsoft Deployment Toolkit
- Automating Lite Touch installations
- Preparing Zero Touch installations
Windows Deployment Services (WDS)
- Accessing Boot and Install images
- Combining WDS with Lite Touch installations
