Microsoft Windows Desktop Deployment Resource Kit (Pro-Resource Kit)

Deploy and manage Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Office 2003 Editions with expertise from well-known Windows authority Jerry Honeycutt. This official RESOURCE KIT packs the in-depth information you need to determine the best deployment path for your organization; prepare and test for deployment; automate, customize, and distribute installations; and manage and support your deployment. You also get timesaving scripts, worksheets, and a searchable eBook on CD—everything you need to help maximize the performance and reliability of your business desktops and help reduce ownership and support costs.

Get in-depth guidance on how to:

Apply best practices for deployment planning
Identify and resolve migration and application compatibility issues
Configure user settings, build distribution points, and “chain” installations
Plan for and migrate users’ existing data and settings
Create disk images and deploy them using third-party tools
Use Remote Installation Services (RIS) to support clean installations
Help automate deployment with Systems Management Server (SMS)
Deploy critical security and feature updates with Microsoft Software Update Services (SUS)
Provide multilingual compatibility and enable support for mobile users
Automate desktop deployment and management tasks with batch scripts

CD includes:

Scripts, worksheets, white papers, and an eBook.

Get scripts to:

Configure data
Copy device drivers
Join domains
List applications
Run installations
Migrate users
and more

Plus worksheets for:

Application compatibility and testing

Disk imaging
Distribution methods and shares
Dynamic updates
Master configuration
RIS planning, deployment, testing
Windows XP Group Policy
and more

A Note Regarding the CD or DVD

The print version of this book ships with a CD or DVD. For those customers purchasing one of the digital formats in which this book is available, we are pleased to offer the CD/DVD content as a free download via O'Reilly Media's Digital Distribution services. To download this content, please visit O'Reilly's web site, search for the title of this book to find its catalog page, and click on the link below the cover image (Examples, Companion Content, or Practice Files). Note that while we provide as much of the media content as we are able via free download, we are sometimes limited by licensing restrictions. Please direct any questions or concerns to booktech@oreilly.com.

Customer Reviews:

Still good - years later

By Jase T. Wolfe - January 18, 2006

I write this review partially evaluating the information it contains, but also how it has held up over time. This book came out in late 2003 and it is now early 2006. A successor to Windows XP is already known, but that doesn't mean that Windows XP is on the way out or that companies will not just now be deploying that OS either for the first time, or redeploying as a refresh to encompass service packs, hotfixes and larger updated application suites, such as Microsoft Office. In short, a competent title covering the deployment of XP is still needed.

In short, everything you need to know about preparing Windows XP for deployment using the Microsoft approved and supported tools and methods is found inside. The authors cover in-depth the planning one should take within the environment to configure, deploy, and manage a desktop. You are instructed on the proper way to prepare the desktop for mass distribution, configure and run the utilities to ensure that the final OS... read more

The right tool for Desktop Deployment

By Evonne Reams "manasseh" - February 24, 2005

If you are planning a massive desktop deployment than this is book you should use. I had no previous experience in doing an unattended install and this book walked me through the entire process following the distribution sample provided in Chapter 7. Mr. Honeycutt has left no stone unturned. His book gives you in-depth technical information and tools to deploy and manage Microsoft Windows XP Desktop. With it, you get prescriptive guidance to help choose the best deployment method and tools for common scenarios; perform attended and unattended installations; automate the deployment process, control policy and profile settings for desktop operating systems and applications; automate deployments for Office and other programs; and more. The book comes with a CDROM containing extra documentation, tools, sample templates, and scripts. Just add your Windows XP I386 files and half the battle is done. This is a great book and well written. Thanks Jerry for writing something for my simple... read more

A valuable resource for anyone deploying Windows XP Pro!

By AJ Hemsey - August 2, 2004

A valuable resource for anyone deploying XP and Office 2003, this book includes everything from deployment methodologies to image customization and maintenance. The included CD has all the scripts and customizations mentioned in the book. Having attended several M$ events on this very topic, Jerry Honeycutt really outshines M$, making his process the definitive resource guide for any Desktop Architect. Some of the information is available from M$ White Papers and other sources, but never before have they all been so well thought out and available in one location. The book also contains unique advice and techniques that you won't find anywhere else. You will learn techniques that you didn't know were possible. As an author, Jerry Honeycutt has a talent for being clear and concise when it comes to complex subject matter.