Unknown Computer Support in SCCM 2007 R2

By Mr. Shawn D. Morris on October 19, 2009 10:06 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Unknown Computer support is a key component to using SCCM 2007 R2 here at IUP.  This will allow us to deploy Windows 7 to brand new PCs via PXE boot by simply connecting these PCs to the IUP network.  We will still need to automate host name assignments and DHCP requests.  For an overview and detailed description of the Unknown Computer support in SCCM 2007 R2, check out Steve Rachui's blog.

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Zero-Touch, High Volume

By Mr. Shawn D. Morris on October 14, 2009 10:45 PM | 1 Comment | No TrackBacks
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After reviewing Microsoft's recommended deployment strategies, the Zero-Touch, High Volume Deployment looks like it may be the strategy that best suites IUP.  Since System Center Configuration Manager 2007 R2 is used to actually deploy images in the Zero-Touch strategy rather than Windows Deployment Services, it seems like the right choice since SCCM2007 R2 will be installed as part of the Windows 7 Project.

Zero-Touch will allow us to push images out to PCs via PXE boot rather than PCs pulling images down from our imaging server.  Pushing an image to a PC will allow us to have greater control over image deployments and theoretically open the door to the automation of other tasks (DHCP/DNS assignments, computer name assignments, OU assignments in AD, etc.).  More research is needed to determine the other benefits of using the Zero-Touch strategy over the Lite-Touch deployment strategy.  Check back for updates that further support the decision to use the Zero-Touch strategy.  If you have any info regarding the Zero-Touch vs. Lite-Touch debate, please feel free to leave a comment.

Welcome to the Windows 7 Project Blog

By Mr. Shawn D. Morris on October 13, 2009 10:49 PM | 2 Comments | No TrackBacks
On September 30, 2009, a team of IT Professionals from Indiana University of Pennsylvania was assembled with the sole purpose of beginning work on a year-long project that will result in significant changes/upgrades to the very infrastructure that makes up the User Services division of IT Services.

The goals:

- Upgrade all client PCs managed by IT Services to the Windows 7 OS
- Create a new domain
- Design and implement a new deployment solution
- Create a new print server
- Implement the use of SCCM2007 R2
- Transition from traditional application installations to virtual applications
- Select, install, and implement a new anti-virus solution
- Replace all or most physical servers with virtual servers running Windows Server 2008 R2

The team:

- Project Manager Amanda Marshall
- Project Manager Tom Rodgers
- Project Member Bryan Sciotto
- Project Member Kevin Groll
- Project Member Stephen Ditch
- Project Member Shawn Morris

This blog will be used to document the progress of the Windows 7 Project at IUP and to serve as the central point of communication between the team, the university, and other organizations.
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