Introduction to Desktop Management |
Change and configuration management is a set of Windows 2000 features that simplify basic tasks such as the following:
Change and configuration management involves managing the ongoing issues that arise as you try to ensure that users are productive when they use their computers to complete their day-to-day work.
Figure 21.1 Change and Configuration Management Features
As Figure 21.1 shows, change and configuration management includes User Data Management, Software Installation and Maintenance, and User Settings Management, which are collectively known as the IntelliMirror™ management technologies. IntelliMirror and Remote OS Installation are the Windows 2000 change and configuration management technology set.
IntelliMirror features increase the availability of the user's computer and computing environment by intelligently storing information, settings, and applications. Remote OS Installation installs Windows 2000 Professional operating system and desktop images on new or replacement computers without on-site technical support. When you combine IntelliMirror and Remote OS Installation throughout your organization, you create a system that makes computer replacement easier.
You can use change and configuration management features to perform the following functions:
Microsoft® Systems Management Server also provides change and configuration management services. You can use Systems Management Server in combination with IntelliMirror and Remote OS Installation. For information about the benefits of combining these technologies, see "Configuring and Maintaining the Network Environment" later in this chapter.