Introduction to IntelliMirror Configuration Management Technologies
Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2
When you use Windows XP and Windows 2000 clients, and Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Server and Windows Server 2003 networks with Active Directory installed, you can take full advantage of IntelliMirror and Group Policy management features. Active Directory and Group Policy provide the foundation for IntelliMirror. Based on the Group Policy settings you specify, IntelliMirror can deploy, recover, restore, and replace user’s data, software, and personal settings.
Table 1.1 lists the IntelliMirror core features, the technologies that enable these features, and the advantages of using IntelliMirror.
Table 1.1 IntelliMirror Features, Advantages, and Technologies
| IntelliMirror Feature | Advantages | Technologies Used |
|---|---|---|
User Data Management |
Data is protected and highly available. Users can access their data from any computer on the network. For example, if you redirect specific user data folders, such as the My Documents folder, to a network location, and then making this location available to the users for offline use, users can access to their data wherever they log on. You can also manage configuration settings for Internet Explorer by using Group Policy. |
Active Directory Group Policy Offline Files Folder Redirection Synchronization Manager Disk Quotas Enhancements to the Windows shell |
User Settings Management |
Users get their preferred desktop configuration from any computer on the network. Their preferences and settings for the desktop and applications are available wherever they log on. |
Active Directory Group Policy Offline Files Roaming User Profiles Enhancements to the Windows shell |
Computer Settings Management |
You can use Group Policy to define options for computers, including security and network settings. For example, you can set options such as remote assistance, system restore, Windows file protection, and Terminal Services. |
Active Directory Users and Computers snap-in Group Policy |
Software Installation |
You can centrally manage software installations, updates, repairs and removal. |
Active Directory Group Policy Windows Installer |