Module 1: Overview of Systems Management Server 2003
Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003 provides powerful desktop administration tools for managing hardware inventory, software inventory, software distribution, and remote client troubleshooting. As an SMS administrator, you will need to know how to configure and manage these tools. This module introduces the key features of SMS 2003, explains differences between SMS 2.0 and SMS 2003, and describes the primary components of the SMS 2003 infrastructure.
Lessons
- Where SMS Fits in the
Windows Server System
- Describing How SMS 2003 Features Provide Change and Configuration Management
- Explaining SMS Hierarchies
- Explaining SMS Site-to-Site Communication
- Explaining SMS Site and Roaming Boundaries
- Discussion: Overview of Systems Management Server 2003
Practices
- Identifying Products in the Windows Server System
- Describing the Features of SMS
- Identifying SMS Site Roles
- Identifying Site-to-Site Communication Considerations
- Identifying SMS Site Boundaries
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Describe the position of SMS in the Windows Server System
- Describe the features of SMS 2003 and how they provide change and configuration management
- Describe SMS site hierarchies
- Describe SMS site-to-site communication
- Describe the role of SMS site boundaries and roaming boundaries
Module 2: Exploring SMS Site Architecture
In this module, you will learn how Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003 is implemented as a site. You will explore the properties of the principal site system—the SMS site server. You will learn how to install and use the SMS Administrator console and other tools that allow administration and support of an SMS implementation. You will also learn about the new role of the Active Directory directory service in SMS and how SMS uses related technologies such as Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), Microsoft Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI), and the Windows Installer (MSI).
Lessons
- Introduction to the SMS Site Server
- Exploring the SMS Administrator Console and the SMS 2003 Toolkit 1
- Explaining the Role of Active Directory in SMS 2003
- Explaining How SMS Uses Dependent Technologies
- Discussion: Exploring SMS Site Architecture
Practices
- Reviewing the SMS Site Server Installation Log and Verifying Installed Services
- Exploring the SMS Administrator Console and the SMS 2003 Toolkit 1
- Exploring the System Management Container
- Verifying SMS Settings in WMI
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Describe the SMS site server and its components
- Use the SMS Administrator console and the SMS 2003 Toolkit 1
- Describe how SMS uses Active Directory
- Describe how SMS uses dependent technologies such as Internet Information Server (IIS), BITS, WMI, and MSI
Module 3: Preparing to Deploy the SMS Clients
In this module, you will learn how to prepare for Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) client deployment. This process involves configuring and deploying the site systems required to support clients and using discovery methods to identify resources.
Lessons
- Introduction to the SMS Clients
- Discovering Resources
- Deploying the Site Systems That Support Client Installation and Client/Server Communication
- Discussion: Preparing to Deploy the SMS Clients
Practices
- Determining Which Clients to Deploy
- Discovering Resources
- Deploying the Site Systems That Support Client Installation
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Describe the Legacy Client and Advanced Client, how to determine which SMS client to use, and how the SMS client gets assigned to a site.
- Describe resource discovery and the methods used to discover resources.
- Explain the guidelines to configure, deploy, and troubleshoot the site systems used by SMS to support clients.
Module 4: Deploying SMS Clients
In this module, you will learn to deploy the Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) Advanced Client and the SMS Legacy Client. You will learn about available installation methods and their benefits. You will also learn how to isolate problems that you might encounter during Advanced Client installation.
Lessons
- Deploying the Advanced Client
- Deploying the Legacy Client
- Isolating Problems When Installing SMS Clients
- Discussion: Deploying SMS Clients
Practices
- Installing the Advanced Client
- Explaining the Differences Between the Installation Methods and When to Use Each Method
- Installing the Legacy Client Using a Logon Script
- Describing the Characteristics of the Legacy Client Installation Methods
- Identifying the Common Causes of Installation Problems
- Using Troubleshooting Techniques to Solve Common Installation Problems
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Deploy the SMS Advanced Client.
- Deploy the SMS Legacy Client.
- Isolate problems that you might encounter during Advanced Client installation.
Module 5: Collecting Inventory and Software Metering
In this module, you will learn to use Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) hardware and software inventory collection features to collect a wide variety of information about client computers and files in an SMS hierarchy. By collecting hardware and software inventory data with SMS 2003, you can build a rich database of details about the computers in your company. You will also learn to use software metering to identify which applications are being used in your company.
Lessons
- Introduction to Inventory Collection
- Collecting Inventory Information
- Extending Inventory Collection
- Configuring Software Metering
- Discussion: Collecting Inventory and Software Metering
Practices
