What's changed in System Center Configuration Manager from System Center 2012 Configuration Manager
What's changed in System Center Configuration Manager from System Center 2012 Configuration Manager
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:
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Does not use a year or product identifier in the product name, as seen with past versions like Configuration Manager 2007 or System Center 2012 Configuration Manager.
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Supports incremental in-product updates, also called update versions. The initial release is version 1511. Subsequent versions are released several times a year as in-console updates, like version 1602 or 1606.
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.
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:
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Replaces the Microsoft Intune connector when you integrate Intune with System Center Configuration Manager On-premises Mobile Device Management
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Is used as a point of contact for devices you manage with
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Uploads usage data about your deployment to the Microsoft cloud service
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Makes updates that apply to your deployment available from within the Configuration Manager console
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).
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.
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Use of the add-on provides you access to the latest capabilities to manage AMT while removing limitations introduced until Configuration Manager could incorporate those changes
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Out of Band Management in System Center 2012 Configuration Manager is not affected by this change
The removal of integrated AMT for System Center Configuration Manager includes:
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The Out of Band Management point site system role is no longer used nor available
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.
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.
Operating system deployment
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A new task sequence type is available in the Create Task Sequence Wizard, Upgrade an operating system from upgrade package, that creates the steps to upgrade computers from Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1 to Windows 10. For more information, see Upgrade Windows to the latest version with System Center Configuration Manager.
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Windows PE Peer Cache is now available when you deploy operating systems. Computers that run a task sequence to deploy an operating system can use Windows PE Peer Cache to obtain content from a local peer (a peer cache source) instead of downloading content from a distribution point. This helps minimize wide area network (WAN) traffic in branch office scenarios where there is no local distribution point. For more information, see Prepare Windows PE peer cache to reduce WAN traffic in System Center Configuration Manager.
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You can now view the state of Windows as a Service in your environment, create servicing plans to form deployment rings and ensure that Windows 10 current branch computers are kept up to date when new builds are released, and view alerts when Windows 10 clients are near end of support for their build of Current Branch (CB) or Current Branch for Business (CBB). For more information, see Manage Windows as a service using System Center Configuration Manager.
Application management
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Software Center has a new, modern look and apps that previously only appeared in the Application Catalog (user-available apps) now appear in Software Center under the Applications tab. This makes these deployments more discoverable to users and removes the need for them to use the Application Catalog. Additionally, a Silverlight enabled browser is no longer required. See Plan for and configure application management in System Center Configuration Manager.
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The new Windows Installer through MDM application type lets you create and deploy Windows Installer-based apps to enrolled PCs that run Windows 10. See Creating Windows applications with System Center Configuration Manager.
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When you create an application for an in-house iOS app you only need to specify the installer (.ipa) file for the app. You no longer need to specify a corresponding property list (.plist) file. See Creating iOS applications with System Center Configuration Manager.
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In Configuration Manager 2012, to specify a link to an app in the Windows Store, you could either specify the link directly, or browse to a remote computer that had the app installed. In System Center Configuration Manager, you can still enter the link directly, but now, instead of browsing to a reference computer, you can now browse the store for the app directly from the Configuration Manager console.
Software updates
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System Center Configuration Manager can now differentiate a Windows 10 computer that connects to Windows Update for Business (WUfB) for software update management versus the computers connected to WSUS for software update management. The UseWUServerattribute is new and specifies whether the computer is managed with WUfB. You can use this setting in a collection to remove these computers from software update management. For more information, see Integration with Windows Update for Business in Windows 10.
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You can now schedule and run the WSUS clean up task from the Configuration Manager console.
You can now manually run the WSUS cleanup task from in Software Update Point Component properties. When you select to run the WSUS cleanup task, it will run at the next software updates synchronization. The expired software updates will be set to a status of declined on the WSUS server and the Windows Update Agent on computers will no longer scan these software updates. For more information, see Schedule and run the WSUS clean up task.
Compliance settings
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System Center Configuration Manager introduces an improved workflow for creating configuration items. Now, when you create a configuration item, and select supported platforms, only the settings relevant to that platform are available. See Get started with compliance settings in System Center Configuration Manager.
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The create configuration item wizard now makes it easier to choose the configuration item type you want to create. Additionally, new and updated configuration items are available for:
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Windows 10 devices managed with the Configuration Manager client
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Mac OS X devices managed with the Configuration Manager client
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Windows desktop and server computers managed with the Configuration Manager client
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Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 devices managed without the Configuration Manager client
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Windows Phone devices managed without the Configuration Manager client
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iOS and Mac OS X devices managed without the Configuration Manager client
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Android and Samsung KNOX Standard devices managed without the Configuration Manager client
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Protect data and site infrastructure
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System Center Configuration Manager lets you integrate with Windows Hello for Business (formerly Microsoft Passport for Work) which is an alternative sign-in method that uses Active Directory, or an Azure Active Directory account to replace a password, smart card, or virtual smart card on devices running Windows 10. See Windows Hello for Business settings in System Center Configuration Manager.
Mobile device management with Microsoft Intune
System Center Configuration Manager introduces improvements to the mobile device management experience including:
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Limit the number of devices a user can enroll
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Specify terms and conditions users of the Company Portal must accept before they can enroll or use the app
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Added a device enrollment manager role to help manage large numbers of devices
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
*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.