Creating MMC Consoles

MMC has two modes, user mode and author mode. In user mode, no changes can be made to any MMC or snap-in functionality. In author mode, changes can be made to several different aspects of MMC and snap-in behavior.

A system administrator can create a tool that consists of a console with one or more snap-ins, and save it (as an .msc file) for future use or for sharing with other administrators. This tool might be used to delegate tasks to others in the organization, to improve workflow, or to coordinate completion of tasks. Separate tools might be created to handle daily, weekly, and monthly administrative tasks. The power of all these scenarios is that all the elements necessary to complete a task are together in one easy-to-find place.