SYSTEM CENTER CONFIGURATION MANAGER (SCCM)

 

What is it?

Microsoft's System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) provides a comprehensive tool for change and configuration management for Microsoft Windows 7/Vista/XP platforms. It enables organizations to push out relevant operating systems, applications, and updates to Windows users quickly and cost-effectively.

Many Windows users already take advantage of automated tools like Windows Update to keep their systems up-to-date. SCCM allows technicians to assure that every Windows 7/Vista/XP system managed on their network stays current.

This protects each individual PC from exploitation of software vulnerabilities and improves overall network security for campus. know more  sccm training

Who can use it and how much does it cost?

Because the University of Kansas has a Microsoft Campus Agreement, any group at KU may use SCCM to manage their computers. However, in order to do so, the Technical Liaison for the department will need to complete our sccm training and be in compliance with the rules contained therein. Usually this means changing some configuration settings on departmental computers and attending a training hosted by KU Information Technology. Please have your Technical Liaison for more information.

Which systems receive the service and which do not?

If your Windows computer is in the "managed" group in the KU Active Directory network, it can be included in SCCM updates. You can tell if your system is in the managed group by looking in the Control Panel (use "Start" > "Control Panel") for a "Configuration Manager" icon.

If no such icon appears, your Windows system is "unmanaged" and you will have to set up automatic updating on your own. For instructions and information about that process, click 

KU IT is unable to provide the SCCM service to Windows systems located off campus, or to those running Windows 95, 98, 2000, and NT. If you are using a PC with those operating systems, we urge you to upgrade to Windows XP as a minimum.

We are also unable to provide this service to Linux computers or Macintosh computers. Mac users can click here for information about enabling automatic updating.

Who will support it?

The central service will be supported by KU IT, along with a list of standardized applications and software updates. However, testing and deploying those applications, along with creating, managing and testing any department-specific applications, will be the responsibility of the departmental Technical Liaison.  KU IT is happy to train the Technical Liaison and assist with any basic SCCM issues he or she may encounter. know more  sccm training

How does it work?

SCCM's processes will usually be invisible to you. Software updates are transmitted to your computer "in the background," at a speed that allows your computer tasks to proceed without interruption or delay.

The updates will be applied when you next power on your computer. For that reason --  -- it's desirable that you turn your computer off at the end of the work day (or at least every once in a while.) Every so often, a particular update will require you to restart your PC. If you are logged in, you will see a message in the lower right hand corner telling you how much time is left before your PC is restarted automatically.

In rare cases - usually when the PC is infected with  or other damaging software - an SCCM update may cause a system crash. If that happens, you will see a "blue screen" or other indication of abnormal functioning. Contact the at 864-8080, and the Customer Service Center will promptly contact a technician to repair your system. know more  sccm training

If you have questions or concerns about the software update process