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.

Microsoft has released a VHD downloadable version of System Center Essentials 2007 that will allow you to evaluate the product in a sandbox environment. This is particularly useful if you cannot install the application in a live production environment and you want to be able to explore the features of the application.

System Center Essentials 2007 is a new management solution specifically designed for IT professionals working in midsize businesses who often face IT challenges similar to those of larger enterprises—troubleshooting user problems, automating management tasks, managing multiple systems, and diagnosing and resolving IT problems.

SCE 2007 VHD Download
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=27342759-e9d6-4073-918c-e9dff77d0206&DisplayLang=en

Related Resources
Home page for Microsoft System Center Essentials 2007