Desktop Management Solutions
Desktop management solutions are features that allow you to reduce the TCO in your organization by making it easier for you to install, configure, and manage clients. These features are also designed as tools that make computers easier to use. Table 1.7 highlights Windows 2000 Server and Windows 2000 Professional desktop management features that increase user productivity.
Table 1.7 Desktop Management Solutions
Feature |
Description |
Benefits |
|---|---|---|
IntelliMirror |
IntelliMirror is a group of features that can be used to make users' data, applications, and customized operating system settings follow them as they move to different computers within their organization. |
Users have access to all of their information and applications, whether or not they are connected to the network. Reduces the need for administrators to revisit desktops for application or operating system updates. |
Windows Installer |
Controls the installation, modification, repair, and removal of software. Provides a model for packaging install information and APIs for applications to function with Windows Installer. |
Enables remote deployment and maintenance of applications by system administrators. Reduces the number of dynamic-link library (DLL) conflicts. Enables self-repairing applications. |
Remote Install |
DHCP-based remote start technology installs the operating system on a client's local hard disk from a remote source. A network start can be initiated by either a pre-boot execution (PXE) environment, a PXE-enabled network card, specific function key, or remote boot floppy provided for clients without PXE. |
An administrator does not have to visit a computer to install the operating system. Remote OS Installation also provides a solution for propagating and maintaining a common desktop image throughout your enterprise. |
Roaming User Profiles |
Roaming User Profiles copies registry values and document information to a location on the network so that a user's settings are available wherever the user logs on. |
Users have the ability to travel and still have their documents and system information readily available. |
Option Component Manager |
Windows 2000 Server Setup allows you to bundle and install add-on components during or after any system setup through an installation module. |
Reduces the amount of time required for deployment setup and reduces the number of trips to individual computers. |
Disk Duplication |
You can customize a single Windows 2000 Server or Windows 2000 Professional setup and clone it across similar computers. |
Cloning can save you time and money when deploying a large number of servers or clients. |
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Note
You can use Systems Management Server to complement the desktop management technologies in Windows 2000.
For more information about deploying Windows 2000 Server and Windows 2000 Professional management solutions, see "Defining Client Administration and Configuration Standards" and "Applying Change and Configuration Management" in this book.