My 8-hour computer-based training series on System Center Configuration Manager (a.k.a SCCM or ConfigMgr) has been released through CBT Nuggets. This is effectively my sixth release through CBTN, and I'm proud to say that all six training series have been relatively successful!

If you're just getting into the arena of centralized desktop control and automated software deployment, you might give SCCM/ConfigMgr a try. Though it has a decent learning curve, its sheer power means that a single administrator can manage virtually every component of hundreds or thousands of machines. If you're looking to pass the Microsoft MCP exam, this series is good for you as well as it touches somewhat on the topics suggested to know for that exam.

Here's a bit more information from the blurb on the CBTN web site:

Wouldn't it be great to configure an entire system-wide OS deployment from your workstation? Microsoft Systems Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) gives you that power.

The old SMS 2003 won't let you configure Windows Vista and Longhorn Server. SCCM 2007 will, and boy is it making large-system configuration easier to understand and deploy. Plus, it lets you configure an OS across your system without using local support staff.

Instructor Greg Shields' training videos show you how to configure your entire network operating system using this powerful SMS upgrade, while preparing you for Microsoft's 70-401 MCTS certification exam.

Greg is a systems pro. He understands SMS and SCCM, and his unique experience with the production elements of both is evident in this series. This SCCM training series shows you how to:

• Manage ALL of your desktops and servers from your lofty administrator's tower
• Use SCCM 2007 to really understand your business environment
• Prepare for the 70-401 exam
• Understand the exam prerequisites and objectives
• Access additional resources

Gone are SMS's time-consuming, system-update patches. With SCCM's administrator console, you manage your software update patches quickly and efficiently and with all the information you need right at your fingertips.

Gone too are many of the security concerns that have plagued OS deployment in large organizations. Network Access Protection (NAP) is a powerful tool that helps you deny viruses access to your operating system.

By the time you're done watching this series, you'll understand SCCM from planning to installing, from application deployment to patching and from OS installation to Network Access Protection integration. Other great SCCM 2007 features let you:

• Look over users' shoulders with Wake On LAN
• Configure and manage users' mobile devices
• Determine your users' real-versus-perceived software needs
• Use DCM to create reports from your inventory collections

Greg's training brings you up to speed fast and shows you how SCCM 2007 can make your working life so much easier. Become your organization's OS configuration expert, as you prepare to pass this Microsoft MCTS certification exam.

CBTN now sports two ways you can learn from their training series'. You can directly purchase and receive a DVD for the series to the tune of $299. Or, alternatively, you can buy a 1-month subscription to their entire library for only $199. This nets you access to all of the hundreds of titles available.

For more information, check out CBT Nuggets at: https://www.cbtnuggets.com/webapp/product?id=421.