Windows Client Management Lecture 15

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture on Windows Client Management, including imaging, hardware standardization, update mechanisms, and software deployment strategies.

Windows Client Management

The set of practices and tools used to deploy, maintain, and update large numbers of Windows client computers efficiently.

System Imaging

Creating a complete copy of a standardized OS and application installation that can be replicated to multiple machines.

Standardized Client Software Installation

Deploying identical operating system and applications across all clients to ensure uniformity and easier maintenance.

Sysprep Utility

Microsoft tool used to remove identifying information (e.g., SIDs) from a Windows installation before imaging.

Security Identifier (SID)

Unique value used by Windows to identify a computer or user; must be unique across machines to avoid conflicts.

Pre-installation Environment

A minimal operating system used to boot a machine so an image can be captured or deployed.

Image Distribution

The process of copying a system image to target computers, typically over a network or via direct disk-to-disk cloning.

Network Boot

Starting a computer from a network source to initiate automated image deployment or installation.

Standardized Hardware

Using consistent computer models and components to reduce troubleshooting complexity and support imaging.

Business-Class Hardware

Enterprise-focused computer models with longer lifespans, consistent components, and better warranties (e.g., Dell Optiplex, HP xw-series).

Hardware Audit

Periodic inventory of computer components to verify consistency and plan upgrades or replacements.

Automated OS Updates

Mechanisms that automatically download and install operating-system patches, such as Windows Update.

Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)

Microsoft tool that lets administrators download, test, and centrally deploy patches to Windows clients and servers.

Client Software Installation

Methods used to place applications on end-user machines, ranging from manual installs to automated distribution.

Manual Installation

Technician performs software setup directly on each client; practical only for small numbers of computers.

Install from a Server

Users launch an installer stored on a network share to copy software locally or run it from the server.

Install to Server & Run Remotely

Application is installed on a server and executed by clients over the network, centralizing maintenance.

Group Policy Software Deployment

Using Active Directory GPOs to assign or publish .msi packages to users or computers during logon or startup.

.msi Package File

Windows Installer file format required for Group Policy–based software deployment.

Automatic Installation & Distribution

Enterprise tools that push software packages to clients via agents, requiring minimal user interaction.

Agent (in software distribution)

Small program installed on each client that receives and executes deployment instructions from a management server.

Software Package

Bundled application files, settings, and install scripts sent to clients by automated distribution systems.

System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM)

Microsoft’s enterprise tool (formerly SMS) for automated software deployment, patching, and inventory.

Tivoli Software Distribution

IBM’s solution for automated delivery and management of software across large enterprises.

Software / Hardware Audit

Process of cataloging installed applications and hardware components to support licensing, troubleshooting, and upgrade planning.

Software Version Control (in auditing)

Tracking the exact versions of software on each workstation to identify upgrade paths and compatibility issues.