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Workshop General Description

This three-day, Instructor-led program provides Participants with the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills to migrate to and deploy Windows Vista to large numbers of computers.

Using interactive procedures and hands-on exercises, Participants learn how to plan for a Vista deployment, how to install and configure all components of the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit, how to use the Microsoft toolset, and how to integrate these tools with the Universal Imaging Utility (UIU).

 

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All Modules are based upon Binary's set of  Best Practices using our "Eight-step Process for Deployment Success"  

 

Module 1: WORKSHOP ROADMAP AND VIRTUALIZATION
Description: This module introduces the Program as a whole and provides a roadmap for instruction over the next five days. The module begins with an overview of the Program, including the Program objectives, and continues with two key topics, which outline the Program Roadmap and introduce BRI’s Eight Steps to Deployment Success.  This is where Participants learn the training format of the Program and how the training materials are structured.  Diagrams are included to clearly show the flow of learning and how each module builds upon previous modules.

Also included in Module 1 is a description of the lab setup, which is the environment in which Participants practice hands-on procedures and complete Labs. The module then introduces another two key topics – Best Practices and Practical Project Management.  Knowing how to use the deployment tools and utilities is only part of a successful Vista deployment.  Knowing when to use which tool is just as important and can mean the difference between success and failure. Module 1 concludes with an introduction to VMware Workstation, which is the virtualization environment used to simulate multiple computers during the Program.
Topics:                             
  • Program Overview
  • Program Roadmap
  • The Microsoft Approach to Vista Deployment
  • BRI’s Eight Steps to Vista Deployment Success
  • Lab Setup for Participants
  • Introduction to Best Practices
  • Introduction to Practical Project Management
  • Virtualization Discussion and exercises

Module 2: INTRODUCTION TO WINDOWS VISTA
Description: Module 2 introduces Windows Vista, Microsoft’s latest operating system.  The module begins with a description of Windows Vista and the path by which Microsoft arrived at Vista as a product. The module continues with a look at features that are new with Vista, and examines the changes that have been integrated since the release of Windows 2000 and Windows XP.  Module 2 also explains the numerous versions or editions comprising the Vista product line, their hardware requirements and the licensing options. The module concludes with a discussion entitled “Migrating Business Users to Windows Vista”, where Trainer and Participants have an opportunity to talk about when and where Vista might be used in a business environment with many Users, the groups who might need or request it, and the likely impact on hardware and support whilst experiencing the process of installing Vista to a virtual machine.
Topics:                             
    Create a Vista-Capable Virtual Machine
  • Path to Windows Vista.
  • Windows 2000/XP to Windows Vista – New Features
  • Windows 2000/XP to Windows Vista – Changed Features
  • Windows Vista Editions Explained
  • Windows Vista Licensing
  • Installing Windows Vista
  • Discussion: Migrating Business Users to Windows Vista

Module 3: PLANNING TO MIGRATE TO WINDOWS VISTA
Description: Module 3 guides Participants through the topic of planning for a Vista deployment. The module begins with a discussion of the importance of planning, emphasizing not only the enterprise’s dependence on functional IT systems, but also the differences between Vista and its predecessors that make Vista deployment unlike deployment of previous Windows operating systems. The module continues with a step-wise journey through the deployment process—an important conceptual aid to planning a deployment. This section focuses on those issues and tasks that we envision will be the responsibility of hands-on, network personnel.

The focus then moves to tasks and considerations for more senior personnel in preparing for the Vista migration process with guidance on assembling a project team, expanding upon the best-practice project management methodologies within the Microsoft documentation.  Then, with the project team in place, the module addresses the definition of a Project Vision, Scope, and Design document.
Topics:                             
  • The Importance of Planning
  • Envisioning: Steps in the Vista Deployment Process
  • For Senior Personnel - Assembling the Project Team
  • Defining the Project Vision, Scope, and Design
  • Best Practices

Module 4: INTRODUCTION TO MICROSOFT DEPLOYMENT
Description: Module 4 introduces Microsoft Deployment and the Ghost Solution Suite.  These products can be used to deploy Windows Vista, albeit in different ways, and both methods are covered during this training program.

Also introduced in this module are the supporting components and toolsets that form a foundation for Microsoft Deployment.  Some components are essential for the entire installation process, such as Windows Deployment Services and the Windows Automated Installation Kit, while others perform key tasks, such as creating and modifying an Image.  Certain tools can be used individually, but mostly they are used within the Microsoft Deployment console.

In preparation for the remainder of the workshop, the Microsoft tools discussed in this module have been pre-installed.  Instructions for the installation of each tool are included in the Appendices section of the Manual.  This Module ensures Participants have an understanding of the functionality of each tool and that they develop familiarity with using the Wizards provided within the MDT to prepare and deploy Vista across the network.
Topics:                             
  • Introduction to Imaging
  • Introduction to Deployment Solutions
  • Introduction to Supporting Components and Toolsets
  • Best Practices and Practical Project Management

Module 5: SOFTWARE INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGIES
Description: Module 5 explores the software inventory and assessment tools provided with Microsoft Deployment.  These tools are part of the Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit™..

During Module 5, Participants collect an inventory of installed applications, test applications for Vista readiness and identify considerations required for Windows Vista Compatibility. As well as the Application Compatibility Manager, the module describes the Window Vista Setup Analysis tool, which is used to determine additional considerations that need to be addressed during the installation of software on Windows Vista.  Participants use the Setup Analysis Tool to analyze an application installer for Windows Vista readiness.

Also included in Module 5 is a discussion of the Windows Vista Standard User Analyzer.  This tool is used to check for permission issues for non-Administrators on applications that are intended to run on Windows Vista.  Using the Standard User Analyzer, Participants analyze a software application to determine its readiness for Windows Vista migrations.
Topics:                             
  • Introducing Software Inventory and Assessment Methodologies
  • Windows Vista Software Migration
  • Software Inventory Procedure
  • Best Practices and Practical Project Management

Module 6: HARDWARE INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGIES
Description: Module 6 covers the Hardware Inventory and Assessment tools provided with Microsoft Deployment.  Participants learn about two tools for cataloging and analyzing hardware and gain some hands-on experience with these tools during the Module 6 lab.The two tools described in this module are the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor and the Windows Vista Hardware Assessment Tool.  The Vista Upgrade Advisor is more suited to smaller networks with low numbers of computers, whereas the Vista Hardware Assessment Tool can be used on networks of any size.
Topics:                             
  • Windows Vista Hardware Migrations
  • Hardware Assessment Procedures
  • Best Practices and Practical Project Management

Module 7: CREATION AND CAPTURING OF THE MASTER IMAGE
Description: In order to successfully capture a Windows Image, certain tools are used.  These tools are described and used in this module.  Capturing a Master Image means taking a Windows Vista machine, with all of the tools and applications used by everyone in an organization, and creating a Windows .wim Image file that can then be deployed to other computers.The Windows AIK comprises a number of tools for deploying Windows Vista.  Several of these have been covered in previous modules.  This module describes two of the most important: Windows PE and ImageX.This module covers both Windows PE and ImageX.  First, the two components are introduced and put into context with the other tools in the AIK.  Next, both are described in more detail, including typical scenarios for using the tools.  Procedures are included to show how the tools work together to build a Vista environment and create an Image of it ready for further modification.
Topics:                             
  • Introduction to Windows Vista Image Creation
  • Capture Tool – Creating a Windows PE Image
  • Capture Tool – Modifying a Windows PE Image
  • Capturing a Master Windows Vista Image
  • Maintenance and Troubleshooting
  • Best Practices and Practical Project Management

Module 8: MODIFICATION OF A MASTER IMAGE
Description: Module 8 explores how to modify a master Image using the tools for Microsoft Vista Deployment.  During Module 8, Participants create an unattend.xml file from a WIM Image and import the unattend.xml into the (.wim) Image file via ImageX.

In addition, this module gives Participants an introduction to Windows System Image Manager (Windows SIM) and its components.  Windows SIM is a tool used to create unattended Windows Vista Setup answer files from a (.wim) Image file and a catalog (.clg) file.
Topics: 
  • Modifying the Master Image File
  • Introducing Windows System Image Manager (SIM)
  • SIM Modification of the Master Image
  • Best Practices and Practical Project Management

Module 9: CAPTURING USER DATA AND SETTINGS
Description: Module 9 explores the tools provided in Microsoft Deployment to capture User data and settings from legacy computers.  The module covers Windows Easy Transfer, the SOHO tools, User State Migration Tool and the Enterprise Migration tool.  Participants capture User data and settings from a Windows XP computer to send to a Windows Vista computer.
Topics:
  • Introduction to Capturing of User Data and Settings
  • Windows Easy Transfer in SOHO Environments
  • Introduction to User State Migration Tool (USMT)
  • Capturing User Data and Settings Procedures
  • Best Practices
  • Practical Project Management

Module 10: PRE-DEPLOYMENT TESTING
Description: Module 10 introduces the concept of test cases and testing procedures.  Participants are introduced to formal methodology to create and execute test cases and testing procedures.  This module explains the method by which to implement an issue trace matrix during the corrective action section and how to finalize the testing process with User Acceptance Testing.
Topics: 
  • Introduction to Pre-deployment Testing
  • Developing Test Cases and Testing Procedures
  • Execution of Test Cases and Testing Procedures
  • Corrective Action
  • Finalizing Testing
  • Best Practices
  • Practical Project Management

Module 11: DEPLOYMENT OF THE CUSTOMIZED MASTER IMAGE
Description: Module 11 covers the methodology used to deploy the customized Image file via the Microsoft Deployment toolkit. In addition, Participants experience the process of restoring the User data and settings captured during Module 9. 
Topics:
  • Configure the Microsoft Deployment Environment
  • Using the LTI Deployment Process
  • Using the ZTI Deployment Process
  • Windows Deployment Services (WDS)
  • Restoration of User Data and Settings
  • Deployment Procedures Using Microsoft Tools
  • Best Practices
  • Practical Project Management

Module 12: POST-MIGRATION AND MAINTENANCE
Description: Module 12 includes discussion of the tasks which need to be addressed after migration completion.  This includes the use of the Windows Software Update Services (WSUS), Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE) as well as updating the Image with applications, and device drivers.
Topics:                             
  • Post-Migration and Maintenance
  • Migration Environment
  • Windows Server Update Services
  • Update Process
  • Windows Vista Recovery Environment
  • Post-Migration and Maintenance Procedures
  • Best Practices and Practical Project Management

Module 13: THE UNIVERSAL IMAGING UTILITY (UIU) AND MICROSOFT DEPLOYMENT TOOLKIT
Description: This module covers the use of a utility called the Universal Imaging Utility (UIU), manufactured by Big Bang LLC.  Used in conjunction with Imaging Technologies, the Universal Imaging Utility prepares a computer for the creation of hardware independent Images.

This session provides an overview of the Image creation process, general guidelines for the creation of Universal Images and the steps necessary to create efficient Images with the Universal Imaging Utility.  Although UIU may be utilized with Windows 2000 (SP4) and Windows XP (SP2), this module focuses on the utilization of UIU with Windows Vista Enterprise.


Topics:                             
  • Universal Imaging Utility (UIU) Overview
  • Towards a hardware Independent Image
  • Preparing the Master (Base) Image
  • Tasks to create the Hardware Independent Image
  • Utilizing the Universal Imaging Utility
  • Best Practices

LABS:  LABS WITH FULL ACCESS TO THE BRI TRAINER 
After a day of step-by-step training there is no better way to hone your skills than to put your newly aquired knowledge to use in our Review Labs. Both labs offer pre-configured software/hardware so you can maximize your time and focus on the core technologies.

LAB ONE

3 Hours Practical Experience

Migrating Windows Vista using Microsoft Deployment Tools.

LAB TWO

2.5 Hours Practical Experience

Deploying Windows Vista using MDT - including applications -
AND using Windows Deployment Services (WDS)

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