Customer Reviews

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

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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 image is not deployed duplicating network identification data, as well as running user state migration to transfer settings between builds. Distribution technologies, such as RIS and SMS are covered, although any commonly used third party utility, such as Symantec Ghost is not. There are also chapters dedicated to reviewing service pack and hotfix management, group policy management, as well as software updates (to Microsoft products, such as Microsoft Office 2003). And lastly, you are given a few different syntax guides to such things as SysPrep and Administrative Templates.

I believe, however, that this title could use a second edition. Even when it was released, some of the services covered were on their way out, and two years later, entire chapters of this book are now useless for many. For example, chapter 17 deals with distribution of XP via Microsoft SMS 2.0. Today, SMS 2003 is the standard and deployment of desktops and servers can be done using a feature pack. As the bulk of the Windows XP preparation has not changed, adding the SMS 2003 information would add a great deal of value. This book also talks about using Windows PE as a management OS for deployment. In 2003, WinPE was not available to many (and is still not, although that availability is on the rise and this book does point you to WinPE alternatives), although it is included and licensed in SMS 2003. The current WinPE section is still very informative, but a refresh overview to cover the changes in the more widely available version would be nice. The different service packs released for Windows XP also bring about new components of the OS as well as new generations of deployment tools, such as SysPrep. Again, although the current information is still very useful, a second edition could cover those changes to the OS and tools.

All things considered, this is still an excellent title and for the most part is as relevant today as when it was released. Administrators looking for an informational source on configuring and packaging the OS itself will find great value here, whereas those looking for information on the deployment mechanisms may need additional books / material in addition to what is presented here, especially if you are not planning on using Microsoft technologies.

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 mind!

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.

As an IT consultant, I've planned and performed many Windows NT/2000/XP desktop deployments for many different organizations over the past five years. In that time, I have never come across a resource that captures as much valuable deployment information in one volume as this Resource Kit does. Jerry's gift for creating easy, fun coverage of complex topics is put to good use to tackle all the challenges faced during deployment. The book is well organized; new admins will find just the guide they need to get up-to-speed and perform a great deployment, while seasoned veterans will find an excellent reference packed with tools and tips to bring deployments to the next level. Although geared toward Windows XP and Office 2003, most of the information is applicable to earlier versions of the products. If you work with desktop clients at all, you owe it to yourself to pick this up - Highly Recommended!

This book covers all aspects of desktop deployment. It provides examples that you can apply directly to real world situations. The bonus is real world sample scripts included on the CD that you can use "as is" or customize them to suit your needs with minimal effort. This is an invaluable reference manual for any administrator.

This book has everything from the planning stages of Windows and Office Deployment, Policies, Profiles, Maintenance as most other references. The key differences are the details and experience in the book. You can clearly see that Jerry has more hands on suggestions, tips, gotchas, and detailed examples than any other IT reference. He even goes out of his way to offer batch files, external resources, and other tools to make your life easier when working on deployment and configuration solutions. I found myself learning things I should have already learned about previous incarnations of Windows that would be useful in the future.

This book was invaluable when trying to upgrade our companies RIS server from Windows 2000 to Windows 2003 and then to WDS from there.

This book is a great resource for helping to plan the deployment of XP. I've been able to use many of the ideas and tips from the book to help redesign my deployment plan for my own company. A great job was done by Jerry in writing and explaining the different ways to deploy XP. Excellent Job, Excellent Book!!!

The "Desktop Deployment Resource Kit" is exactly what I have been
looking for. Standardizing all of my desktops to Windows XP will be a challenge and the most challenging part seems to be honing in on what my team needs to know.

This book lays it out so you can read through topics quickly while keeping the big picture in play. When I begin my project I am sure it will be a constant companion to help me though some of the tough spots.

Thanks Jerry!