App-V First Application

Well I finally had a chance to work on some Virtual Applications. I have virtualized Real Player and now QuickTime. I am hoping to remove them from computers so I can easily update them or just quickly remove them from the machines when the software needs to be patched.

Real player doesn't have a nice uninstaller. Only part of it is silent and it leaves behind folders that make app-v applications crash. This is due to App-v seeing a c:\program files\real folder.

When I did Quicktime I wanted to make sure that the IE plugin worked as well. This was easier that I though it would be. Just after Quicktime installs I open IE and launch a page that has an embedded quicktime movie. I install the activeX control and then stop the app-v install. Next at the window where you can remove application I simply add a shortcut to c:\program files\internet explorer\iexplore.exe. I make the shortcut name "Internet Explorer with Quicktime" This link is placed in the Quicktime shortcut folder.

One thing I will mention is that although IE 7 had all my shortcuts, favorite, history etc the home page opened to my default homepage that I set with the IE deployment tool. So it only carries over some of my settings. But the end result is IE that plays quicktime. Now I can elminate part of the security problems as well as installations/uninstalls from SCCM.

New Configuration Manager Team blog

System Center Configuration Manager Team Blog
The official blog of the Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager Product Group
http://blogs.technet.com/configmgrteam/

Here you will find information about Configuration Manager directly from people working directly on it at Microsoft.

MMS 2009 Session list live

You can now look at the session list for MMS. Note that they are currently in a state of flux so sessions might be added, removed or changed. Hands on labs are not yet published
http://mms-2009.com/public/sessions.aspx

Below is the abstract of my presentation with Greg Ramsey, also an MVP.

SY35 Configuration Manager 2007 Console Extensions
Speaker(s): Greg Ramsey, Matthew Hudson
Track(s): Systems Management
Session Type(s): Breakout Session
Products(s): Configuration Manager 2007
This session will focus on how to setup Configuration Manager to use console extensions, what parameters can be passed, how to use them to reduce time on mundane task, and increase efficiency to support your Site. Console Extensions allow the administrator to "right click" on objects and resources to perform certain functions. Commands include but not limited to: Policy refresh, inventory, collection listing, restart, reports, client log viewing, and administrative functions. Learn where to find these and other tools and how you can add them to your site. Attendees will not need programming experience for this session but will be taught basic understanding of the XML structure which is required to utilize console extensions.