The Software Updates Synchronization SuperFlow is a dynamic, interactive dataflow model that provides all of the information needed to understand the software updates synchronization process in Configuration Manager 2007. The SuperFlow also provides an animation for the process and resource files and links that provide information related to the process.

For many enterprise products, technical flowcharts can be an invaluable tool for IT Professionals to help them understand a feature or process within the product and to help them troubleshoot issues that might occur. The SuperFlow is a new concept that takes a technical flowchart to the next level by providing the following:

Interactive Flowchart

• General and in-depth technical information about each step in the process.
• Sample log files, status messages, including sample log file entries, procedures to accomplish tasks, troubleshooting information, and more!

Animation

• A visual representation for the steps in the SuperFlow process.
• A detailed description for each step in the SuperFlow process.

Resources

• Links to internal resources such as the detailed dataflow for the process, sample log entries for the end-to-end process, verification checklists, etc.
• Links to external Web resources that provide more information about the product and SuperFlow process.

Download:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=d509a9f4-e397-4d0a-89bb-fa3d68b9e8be&DisplayLang=en

This article contains links to all of the ConfigMgr 2007 Audiocasts on the Microsoft website.

System Center Configuration Manager 2007: Setup and Deployment (13 mins 25 secs)
Jeff Wettlaufer, Sr. Technical Product Manager, System Center Configuration Manager
Wally Mead, Sr. Program Manager, System Center Configuration Manager
In this episode of the Configuration Manager audiocasts, listen to Jeff Wettlaufer and Wally Mead discuss the best practice guidance and recommendations for how to install System Center Configuration Manager. From SMS upgrades to green field deployment, hear from the early experiences of Configuration Manager customers about deploying the infrastructure and clients.

System Center Configuration Manager 2007: Windows Deployment (11 mins 1 sec)
Jeff Wettlaufer, Sr. Technical Product Manager, System Center Configuration Manager
Michael Kelley, Sr. Program Manager, System Center Configuration Manager
A significant investment in System Center Configuration Manager 2007 is focused around Operating System Deployment. Taking advantage of new technologies in Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, listen to Jeff and Michael talk about concepts such as the Task Sequencer, Driver Catalog, WinPE and other areas of OSD. Learn how the same toolset can be used for both Client and Server deployments, and how Configuration Manager can drive end to end automation into your next deployment project.

System Center Configuration Manager 2007: Desired Configuration Management (10 mins 22 secs)
Jeff Wettlaufer, Sr. Technical Product Manager, System Center Configuration Manager
Jeffrey Sutherland, Sr. Program Manager, System Center Configuration Manager
One of the key abilities in System Center Configuration Manager 2007 is the concept of Desired Configuration Management. DCM is a new approach to configuration management, using SML concepts to define Configuration baselines that can be used to monitor your enterprise. In this audiocast, listen to Jeff and Jeffrey discuss the concepts of configuration management, how to define configuration items, baselines, and the deployment of these in the network. Learn how to interpret this information, and understand the concept of analyzing Configuration Drift.

System Center Configuration Manager 2007: Software Distribution (9 mins 9 secs)
Jeff Wettlaufer, Sr. Technical Product Manager, System Center Configuration Manager
Dave Randall, Sr. Program Manager, System Center Configuration Manager

In this edition of the Configuration Manager audiocast series, listen to Jeff and Dave discuss the concepts of Software Distribution, what has improved, what is new, and the benefits these enhancements will bring to your organization.

System Center Configuration Manager 2007: Software Update Management (8 mins 33 secs)
Jeff Wettlaufer, Sr. Technical Product Manager, System Center Configuration Manager
Marc Umeno, Sr. Program Manager, System Center Configuration Manager
In this edition of the Configuration Manager audiocast, listen to Jeff and Marc speak about the improvements in Software Update Management. Some great improvements have been made to the previous collection of tools and processes, and learn how to employ these today in your organization.

The Windows Vista Service Pack 1 management tools for the Hyper-V release candidate are now available. This update package installs the Hyper-V remote management tools on a computer that is running Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1). This package includes the following:

•The Hyper-V Manager. The Hyper-V Manager is a Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-in that provides management access to a Windows Server 2008-based server that uses the Hyper-V role.

•The Virtual Machine Connection. The Virtual Machine Connection is a remote connection tool that you can use to establish an interactive session on a virtual machine

Download:

Download the Update for Windows Vista x86 edition (KB949758) package.

Download the Update for Windows Vista x64 edition (KB949758) package.

More Information: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949758

Microsoft Remote Server Administration Tool (RSAT) for Windows Vista is now available for download. RSAT enables IT administrators to remotely manage roles and features in Windows Server 2008 from a computer running Windows Vista SP1. It includes support for remote management of computers running either a Server Core or full installation option of Windows Server 2008.

Download:

• x86 version
• x64 version

Are you struggling with setting up ConfigMgr 2007 Operating System Deployment and integrating MDT? - download and view the video walkthrough that shows you how to:

• Setup the server environment for ConfigMgr 2007 OS deployment
• Configure the ConfigMgr 2007 Site Settings
• Configure the ConfigMgr 2007 Computer Management Settings
• Configure the ConfigMgr 2007 Operating System Deployment Settings
• Setup and use MDT integration with ConfigMgr 2007
• Add a reference machine object to ConfigMgr 2007
• Create a build and capture reference image for mass deployment using ConfigMgr 2007

Download from here (51.2Mb)

Source: The Deployment Guys

The Configuration Manager 2007 Software Development Kit (SDK) has been released and is now available on the Microsoft Download Center.

In addition to Service Pack 1 support for Windows Vista, MDT 2008 also has the following  new features:

• Full support for Windows Server 2008
• Additional Actions including Configure DHCP, Authorize DHCP, Configure DNS, and Configure ADDS
• New scripts that will automate the installation of Mass Storage Drivers for Windows XP and Windows 2003 Systems
• Ability to use a WSUS server for the Windows Update script
• Improved performance for the PXE Filter for System Center Configuration Manager unknown computer support
• Improved documentation including a new Quick Start Guide for System Center Configuration Manager and a guide for implementing the Management Pack for System Center Operations Manager

Download:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=064A995F-EF13-4200-81AD-E3AF6218EDCC&displaylang=en

After you have installed System Center Essentials 2007, you should complete the Computer and Device Management Wizard, the Feature Configuration Wizard, and the Update Management Configuration Wizard to complete initial configuration. To start using System Center Essentials 2007, there are a number of tasks that you must complete. For more information on these tasks, see the video presentation on the Microsoft TechNet site.

This guide discusses best practices for everyday use of System Center Essentials 2007 and the guide includes the following:

• Getting Ready to Operate Essentials 2007
• Managing Computers
• Monitoring Network Devices
• Deploying Software and Updates

Download the guide here.

Join Mark Russinovich and a panel of experts at 9:00 A.M. Pacific Time, March 5th for a live, interactive discussion on adopting Windows Vista into a desktop infrastructure. The panel will feature subject-matter experts and IT pros from around the world who have tackled Windows Vista deployment—hear about the challenges, workarounds, and tips & tricks they have learned along the way. Ask your questions live during the event or e-mail your question in advance to vrtable@microsoft.com. The panel will answer as many questions as they can during the 60-minute event so take advantage of this opportunity to ask the experts and find out what you want to know about Windows Vista adoption.

For access to guidance, resources, tools, and straight-talk articles today, visit the Springboard Series for Windows Vista.

Source: Arlindo's Blog