Get the jump on Windows 8

There has been a lot of excitement over the launch of Windows 8 in the consumer space and the launch of the sleek new Windows Surface has just added to the buzz. However, for those who manage, secure and maintain the IT infrastructure for organizations, corporations and companies across Canada, the information provided to the consumer market, while very cool and exciting, just isn’t enough.

So Stephen Rose, Senior Product Marketing Manager, and Joey Snow, Senior Technology Evangelist, from the Microsoft mother ship in Redmond, put together 6 video modules on Windows 8 for IT professionals so you can start understanding and planning for your environment. And just in case you don’t have time to sit and watch them right through all at once, here’s a nice short url that you can bookmark or remember to come back to this post later: https://aka.ms/win8jumpstart.

Video 1: Windows 8 tips and tricks for IT pros

Length: 1:08:14

In this first video, you’ll explore the Windows 8 user interface, keyboard shortcuts, the Windows App Store, Internet Explorer 10, and other topics including:

  • Tablets and mobile productivity
  • The touch interface
  • Changes and improvements to Task Manager, Windows Explorer, and File History
  • Storage Spaces

Video 2: Windows 8 deployment

Length: 43:50

In this video, you’ll dive into planning and deployment—how to ease your migration from earlier versions of the Windows operating system. This installment will show you how to customize, deploy, and centrally manage Windows 8 in your organization using the following tools and technologies:

  • Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (Windows ADK), which includes:
    • Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT)
    • Deployment tools like Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM), System Preparation, SysPrep, and Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE)
    • Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE)
    • User State Migration Tool (USMT)
    • Volume Activation Management Tool
    • Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT)
  • System Center Configuration Manager
  • Internet Explorer Administration Kit (IEAK)

Video 3: Access to Windows

Length: 44:47

In this video, you’ll explore virtualization scenarios for Windows 8, specifically with regard to Windows To Go, Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), and Client Hyper-V. This module will walk you through:

  • The benefits of Windows to Go, requirements, and common usage
  • Building a Windows to Go workspace using the Creator tool
  • Building a Windows to Go workspace using Windows PowerShell
  • Encrypting a workspace using BitLocker Drive Encryption
  • VDI benefits and options (pooled, personal, sessions)
  • Client Hyper-V scenarios

Video 4: Anywhere Productivity

Length: 51:29

In this video, you’ll learn how to utilize key Windows 8 features and complementary technologies to enable users to be productive virtually anywhere. This module covers the mobile broadband and platform enhancements in Windows 8 plus common scenarios like providing a consistent user experience across devices, virtual machines, session-based desktops, offline domain joins, and cloud management.

Technologies and products covered include Windows To Go, SkyDrive Pro, BitLocker, DirectAccess, BranchCache, Folder Redirection, User Experience Virtualization (UE-V), and Application Virtualization (App-V).

Video 5: Windows Apps

Length: 36:48

In this video, you’ll learn how to deploy and manage applications in Windows 8. This installment covers common scenarios like developing apps for Windows 8, sideloading apps for individual users or all users, utilizing a self-service portal for Windows applications, and managing apps using cloud technologies.

Tools and features discussed include AppLocker, Group Policy, Windows PowerShell, the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT), and Microsoft System Center.

Video 6: Recovery and Security

Length: 42:50

In this final Jump Start video, you’ll learn how to better control, secure, and manage Windows 8 PCs with BitLocker, UEFI, Secure Boot, Measured Boot, and the Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset (DaRT). This module will go over the security features integrated into Windows 8 and then walk you through the process of:

  • Resetting the PC
  • Refreshing the PC
  • Creating a custom refresh image
  • Creating a DaRT recovery image
  • Deploying the DaRT recovery image by using Windows DS
  • Installing the DaRT recovery image locally
  • Utilizing BitLocker and Microsoft BitLocker Administration and Monitoring (MBAM)

 

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