MS Outlook 98 - Deployment Kit

Welcome

This chapter introduces you to the contents and conventions of the Microsoft Outlook98 Deployment Kit. The Microsoft Outlook 98 Deployment Kit includes this book, the Outlook 98 Deployment Wizard, and a set of companion tools, utilities, and sample files.

The Microsoft Outlook 98 Deployment Kit (ODK) is available through Microsoft's Select, Open, MSDN (Microsoft Developer Network), and Microsoft Certified Partners channels. The ODK is not available for Web download or retail purchase; however, all of the documentation for the ODK is posted on the Web.

NOTE During setup of the Outlook 98 Deployment Kit, you will be prompted to provide the CD Key # for your Outlook 98 software. The CD Key can be found printed on your Outlook 98 retail box or license card.

The purpose of the Microsoft Outlook 98 Deployment Kit is to provide the information that IS professionals and administrators need to deploy and support Outlook 98. This includes installing and customizing Outlook, optimizing features and functions, and understanding how Outlook interoperates with other mail systems and Microsoft products within organizations. The following section outlines the types of information included in this book.

About the Deployment Kit

The Microsoft Outlook 98 Deployment Kit provides you with a wealth of information for installing and supporting Outlook 98. This book includes the following chapters:

Chapter 1, "Microsoft Outlook 98 Overview" introduces Microsoft Outlook 98 and describes its design goals and basic architecture. Also, this chapter identifies the system administration features that are new in Outlook 98.

Chapter 2, "Installation and Configuration" describes the files and settings that administrators use to install and configure Outlook. Learn how to create a custom installation using the Outlook 98 Deployment Wizard and how to deploy Outlook using the Systems Management Server. Read about Outlook mail profiles and system policies. Also, find out how Outlook migrates Microsoft Schedule+ calendar information.

Chapter 3, "Interoperability" explains how Outlook interoperates with Microsoft Exchange Client and Microsoft Mail 3.x. Also, learn how Outlook works with Microsoft Schedule+ and Microsoft Project.

Chapter 4, "Customizing Microsoft Outlook 98 Features" describes how to create your own custom settings for Outlook features, including Outlook toolbars and menus, the Outlook Bar, and Outlook Today. Administrators can review this chapter when customizing these features during installation.

Chapter 5, "Optimizing Microsoft Outlook 98 for Your Users" provides many helpful tips for using Outlook, including how to back up Outlook data and how to set up Outlook for multiple or roaming users. These tips help administrators and their user communities optimize Outlook features within the work environment.

Appendix A, "Sample Outlbar.inf File" provides a sample configuration file for the Outlook Bar. Administrators can review this sample file when customizing this feature during installation.

Appendix B, "Setup Command-Line Options" explains how to run the Setup program from the command line and describes the parameters that you can add to the command to specify special options during installation.

Appendix C, "Other Microsoft Outlook Clients" describes Outlook Web Access, Outlook for Windows 3.x, and Outlook for the Macintosh.

Additional Information

Outlook provides comprehensive product documentation in both print and online formats. For information about how to use specific Outlook features, see the online Help supplied with the product. Also, see the following reference materials for additional information about Outlook.

Microsoft Office 97 Resource Kit

The Microsoft Office 97 Resource Kit contains valuable information about Microsoft Office 97 applications.

Note Outlook 98 is an interim release, and therefore is not integrated with Office 97 Setup.

Microsoft Exchange Server Resource Kit

The Microsoft Exchange Server Resource Kit consists of Parts 1 and 2, which are included with the Microsoft BackOffice® Resource Kit. The resource kit provides detailed information about Microsoft Exchange Server architecture and features, as well as setup and implementation tools.

Web Sites

Visit the following Web sites for up-to-date information about Outlook and related products:

• The Outlook Web site at https://www.microsoft.com/office/outlook/default.asp contains a wealth of information about the Outlook product, including access to the Outlook knowledge base, support information, and frequently asked questions. 

• The Office Web site at https://www.microsoft.com/office/ is a good source for information about Office applications and provides a link to the Microsoft Office 97 Resource Kit. 

• The Exchange Server Web site at https://www.microsoft.com/exchange/ contains current information about Exchange Server and links to other Microsoft BackOffice products. 

Conventions in This Deployment Kit

The following table summarizes the typographic conventions used in this book.

Acronyms in This Deployment Kit

The following table provides a list of standard abbreviations or acronyms used throughout this book and their meanings.