What's changed in System Center Configuration Manager from System Center 2012 Configuration Manager

Microsoft

What's changed in System Center Configuration Manager from System Center 2012 Configuration Manager

By Brent Dunshire as written on docs.microsoft.com
Applies to: System Center Configuration Manager (Current Branch)
System Center Configuration Manager current branch introduces important changes from System Center 2012 Configuration Manager. The information in this topic identifies the more significant changes and new capabilities found in the baseline version 1511 of System Center Configuration Manager. To learn about additional changes that are introduced in subsequent updates for System Center Configuration Manager, see What’s new in System Center Configuration Manager incremental versions.
The December 2015 release of System Center Configuration Manager (version 1511), is the latest product release of Configuration Manager from Microsoft. It is typically referred to as System Center Configuration Manager current branch. Current branch indicates this is a version that supports incremental updates to the product and can be an important distinction between this and past releases of Configuration Manager.
With this release System Center Configuration Manager:
In-console updates for Configuration Manager
System Center Configuration Manager uses an in-console service method called Updates and Servicing that makes it easy to locate and then install recommended updates for Configuration Manager.
Some versions are only available as updates for existing sites (from within the Configuration Manager console), and cannot be used to install new Configuration Manager sites.
For example, the 1602 update is only available from within the Configuration Manager console and is used to update a site that runs a baseline version of 1511 to version 1602.
Periodically, an update version will also be released as a new baseline version (like update 1606) which can be used to install a new hierarchy without the need to start with an older baseline version (like 1511) and upgrade your way to the most current version.
For more information about using updates, see Updates for System Center Configuration Manager.
Service connection point replaces Microsoft Intune connector
The Microsoft Intune connector is replaced by a new site system role that enables additional functionality, the service connection point. The service connection point:
This site system role supports both an online and offline mode of operation that can affect its additional use. For more information see About the service connection point in System Center Configuration Manager.
Usage data collection
System Center Configuration Manager collects usage data about your sites and infrastructure. This information is compiled and submitted to the Microsoft cloud service by the service connection point (a new site system role) and is required to enable Configuration Manager to download updates for your deployment that apply to the version of Configuration Manager you use. When you configure the service connection point you can configure both the level of data that is collected, and whether this is submitted automatically (online mode) or manually (offline mode).
For more information see Usage data levels and settings.
Support for Intel Active Management Technology (AMT)
With System Center Configuration Manager, native support for AMT-based computers from within the Configuration Manager console has been removed.
The removal of integrated AMT for System Center Configuration Manager includes:
Deprecated functionality
With System Center Configuration Manager, some capabilities, like native Support for Intel Active Management Technology (AMT) based-computers is removed from the Configuration Manager console, while other capabilities like Network Access Protection are removed entirely. Additionally, some older Microsoft products like Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, and SQL Server 2008, are no longer supported.
For a list of deprecated features, see Removed and deprecated features for System Center Configuration Manager.
For details about supported products, operating systems, and configurations, see Supported configurations for System Center Configuration Manager.
Client deployment
System Center Configuration Manager introduces a new capability for testing new versions of the Configuration Manager client before upgrading the rest of site with the new software. This new capability gives you the opportunity to set up a preproduction collection in which to pilot a new client. Once you are satisfied with the new client software in preproduction, you can promote the client to automatically upgrade the rest of the site with the new version.
For more information on how to test clients, see How to test client upgrades in a preproduction collection in System Center Configuration Manager.
Operating system deployment
Application management
Software updates
Compliance settings
Protect data and site infrastructure
Mobile device management with Microsoft Intune
System Center Configuration Manager introduces improvements to the mobile device management experience including:
For more information about mobile device management capabilities with Configuration Manager and Intune, see Hybrid mobile device management (MDM) with System Center Configuration Manager and Microsoft Intune.
On-premises Mobile Device Management
With System Center Configuration Manager, you can now manage mobile devices using on-premises Configuration Manager infrastructure. All device management and management data is handled on-premises and is not part of Microsoft Intune or other cloud services. This type of device management doesn't require client software since the capabilities that Configuration Manager uses to manage the devices are built into the device operating systems.

Learn How to add, remove and modify fonts in @Windows10 via @cheapskateblog

How to add, remove and modify fonts in Windows 10 by Rick Broida

Want to install new fonts or remove unwanted ones? Here's how, along with the quickest way to change font settings.
People often tell me I'm a font of wisdom, so allow me to share some wisdom about fonts. (Needless to say, I'm not a font of humor.)
In Windows 10, not much has changed about the way typefaces are installed, deleted and otherwise modified, but if you're not familiar with the processes, well, it's all new to you. Here's everything you need to know.
First up, you'll need to access the font control panel. Easiest way by far: Click in Windows 10's new Search field (located just to the right of the Start button), type "fonts," then click the item that appears at the top of the results: Fonts - Control panel.

windows 10 font 1

As you can see, there's no clearly identified option to add new fonts, but the process is easy: just drag any TrueType font file to the main window containing all your other installed fonts. (See screenshot at top.) When you drop it, you'll see a brief "installing font" message, and then, presto, you're done.
Removing a font is even easier: Click one, then click Delete. Just be careful not to remove any important system fonts like Calibre, Microsoft Sans Serif and Tahoma.

windows 10 font 2

Finally, if you want to make systemwide changes to your font settings, you can do so here by looking to the toolbar on the left side of the Font control panel. For example, to increase or decrease the font size for, say, menus and icons, click Change Font Size. Choose the item you want to change, then select a size. (You also have the option of ticking the Bold box, which is actually kind of a nice tweak for things like title bars.)

windows 10 font 3

After making your selection, click Apply, noting that it'll take a few seconds for the change to go into effect.
And that's it! Now you know the basics of Windows 10 font management.
Source: http://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-add-remove-and-modify-fonts-in-windows-10/#ftag=CADf328eec

The 10 Most Common Software Licenses via SoftwareOne

The market is saturated with a variety of software licensing models, each with different terms and conditions that the licensee must adhere to, as well as publishers providing their own spin on similar models. We all know what happens if you break those terms and conditions: auditors end up fining the organization large sums of money. Even free software has some form of license.

Top Ten Vendors and their Licensing Models

There are a number of different software licensing models currently offered by software vendors, including a number of emergent models that were not around in the licensing world ten years ago.

software-one-share-managed-solution

*Oracle “Developers License”
**Oracle’s “Update Subscription Service” Note: Whilst the Vendors may not provide subscription licensing, they do provide subscriptions to maintenance and other services.
1. User – License is assigned to a named user who must be identified to ensure the license agreement is validated and the license terms are adhered to.
2. Subscription (user or device) – License only available during time of subscription. No rights to use it pre or post agreement dates (unless agreement renewed).
3. Core/Processor – License is based on the capacity of the CPU/Hard Drive or other hardware configuration elements.
4. Device – Also known as ‘machine based.’ License is locked to an individual machine, allowing for an infinite number of users.
5. Networked (WAN & LAN) – A license that covers machines that is on the same network infrastructure. This is either in Wide Area Network or a Local Area Network format. Also known as “concurrent license.”
6. Cloud Credits – Cloud credits are the unit of measurement required to perform certain tasks or rights to run certain applications provided by the vendor. Hosted in the cloud and are usually a subscription model.
7. Freeware – License requires no purchase but the copyrights are still held by the developer. Developer can sell the software in the future and does not distribute the source code.
8. Font licenses – Font specific license. Related to the fonts used online or internally by an organization.
9. General Public License (GPL) – License and software available for free. Allows users to use, share, and copy and modify the software. Separate legal metrics to ‘freeware
10. Client Access License (CAL, includes both device and user metrics) – Allows users to connect to server software to use the software’s features/functions
The above list is based on the top ten vendors by revenue for the previous financial year. This gives us a good indication as to what the most popular license metrics are, and also helps us predict trends in the licensing market.
Source: http://blog.softwareone.com/the-10-most-common-software-licenses