Chapter 12 - Using IntelliMirror Technologies

Abstract

This chapter covers Microsoft's IntelliMirror technology that enables change and configuration management for Microsoft Windows XP. IntelliMirror is very tightly integrated with Microsoft's Active Directory service and Group Policies. The features provided by IntelliMirror are the ability to manage users' settings; the ability to manage user's data; and remote software installation and maintenance. Group policy is a core part of Microsoft's IntelliMirror technology. One can use Group Policy to manage all aspects of the client desktop environment for Windows 2000 or Windows XP clients, including registry settings, software installation, scripts, and security settings. Group Policy is implemented in four ways: Local Group Policy; Site Group Policy; Domain Group Policy; and Organizational Unit Group Policy. Using Local Group Policy involves setting up Group Policy on the local machine. This is not very useful for managing computers on a network. Local Group Policy is configured on the local computer. Site Group Policy is when the Group Policy Object (GPO) is linked to the site. Site Group Policies can generate unwanted network traffic, so these should be used only when absolutely necessary. When the Group Policy object is linked to the domain, it is the Domain Group Policy. This will apply the Group Policy Object to all the computers and users within a domain. When the Group Policy object is linked to the organizational unit (OU), it is the Organizational Unit Group Policy. Organizational Unit Group Policy is especially useful for applying a Group Policy object to a logical grouping (organizational unit) of users or computers.