Automating Dell Server Deployments with Altiris Course Outline:

Topic 1: Deployment Solution 6.9

• Identify the various install options and which one is right for you
• Identify and define the software components of Altiris Deployment Solution
• Understand the features of Altiris Deployment Solution
• Understand how, why and when to pre-provision a computer in the console for deployment
• Explain the advantages/disadvantages of OS image based deployments vs. scripted OS installs
• Explain the advantages/disadvantages of using the various supported pre-boot environments (WinPE/Linux/DOS)
• Explain token replacement and discuss scenarios for using tokens
• Position specific Deployment Solution products for use in Dell, HP and IBM environments
• Identify the process of configuring and replacing Server Blades
• Client deployment of Microsoft Vista

Topic 2: Notification Server 6.5

• Discuss the Altiris Notification Server infrastructure and how solutions are integrated
• Identify and define the components of Altiris Notification Server
• Understand how Altiris solutions are licensed

Topic 3: Inventory Solution

• Understand the basics of inventorying hardware and software in a heterogeneous environment
• Use Inventory Solution reports for management, upgrades and budget planning

Topic 4: Monitor Solution

• Discuss Monitor Solution for Windows
• Discuss the Monitor Solution for Servers and its related add-ons: Monitor Packs for SQL, Exchange, as well as, Monitor Solution for Altiris Infrastructure and Dell Servers
• Understand the real-time dashboard and performance monitor
• Identify the protocols and methods used to gather and report historical data

Topic 5: Patch Management Solution

• Understand how Patch Management Solution integrates with vendor websites to download bulletins, patches and upgrades
• Learn how to automate the collection, analysis, and delivery of patches
• Identify the Recovery Solution process to roll-back to the previous stable state

Lab 1: Deployment Solution

• Adobe Captivate of Deployment Solution installation and configuration
• Add servers to the eXpress database
• Push out the aClient
• Use Sample Jobs to capture a Disk Image
• Deploy Windows Vista
• If time allows, push out Disk Image
• If time allows, migrate to Windows Vista

Lab 2: Notification Server and Inventory Solution

• Adobe Captivate of Inventory Solution installation and configuration combined with Notification Server
• Navigate and configure the Altiris Console
• Deploy the Altiris Agent
• Inventory hardware information, installed software, and operating system settings

Lab 3: Monitor Solution

• Adobe Captivate of Monitor Solution installation and configuration
• Use real-time monitoring to assess current operational states
• View historical data to identify trends and isolate recurring issues
• Manage problem tasks with integrated alert management

Lab 4: Patch Management Solution

• Adobe Captivate of Patch Management Solution installation and configuration
• Perform a patch assessment
• Download bulletins
• Apply patches and software updates
• Use Recovery Solution to roll-back to the previous stable state