Hi I would like some help/advise. We are planning to deploy SCCM in out test enviroment, as we have never used this software before. Can anyone recommend any good books, to help learn SCCM management, we have no budget to attend a course, so i need to learn as i go along, hence the reason for getting a book. Also what is the recommended method in setting up SCCM. Thank You All

To be honest with you, if you have never use ConfigMgr then I would take the course. It is a HUGE application. Just like any other System management product, if it is not setup correctly, it can cause you issues down the road. The 6451a course will give you a decent baseline to get your hand “wet”, without causing you any headaches. If there is not money for the course then find out if you have TAM time. Your TAM can arrange for special training on ConfigMgr. If that does not exist then pick a book like “Mastering System Center Configuration Manager 2007 R2” and best of luck to you. http://www.enhansoft.com/

This book might also help, Microsoft® System Center Configuration Manager 2007 - Administrator's Companion (http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/book.aspx?ID=9554&locale=en-us). Thanks, Minh.Minh

thank you for your replies. i was thinking about this book System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) 2007 Unleashed (Paperback) http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0672330237/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_i1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-4&pf_rd_r=0J6R1KZPK3EPD5D7GP7F&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=467128133&pf_rd_i=468294 reviews seem good

Hi, I go with Garth and jitla. In order to work with ConfigMgr. you need to get some basiv training first. The MOC course is great as it takes you thru 5 days of intensive training. You don't need to have any SMS/ConfigMgr experience in order to participate in the training. Once you have completed the training I would recommend one of the ConfigMgr. books and hte Unleashed is a very good choice.Kent Agerlund | http://scug.dk/members/Agerlund/default.aspx | The Danish community for System Center products

Hi, The Technet webcast will help you to learn more knowledge of SCCM 2007 TechNet Webcast: Introduction to System Center Configuration Manager 2007 (Level 200) TechNet Webcast: Deploying System Center Configuration Manager 2007 (Level 200) TechNet Webcast: Deploying System Center Configuration Manager 2007 Clients (Level 300) TechNet Webcast: New License Options for System Center Configuration Manager 2007 (Level 100) TechNet Webcast: Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007: Deployment (Level 300) TechNet Webcast: Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007: Managing Servers (Level 300) TechNet Webcast: Managing Distributed Branch Office Environments with System Center and Windows Server 2008 (Level 300) TechNet Virtual Lab: Introduction to System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) 2007 TechNet Virtual Lab: Upgrading from Microsoft Systems Management Server 2003 to System Center Configuration Manager 2007

I'd recommend both those books (SCCM 2007 Adminstrators Companion & System Center Configuration Manager 2007 Unleashed). The unleashed book is probably the more detailed of the two but the companion is a good one to start with. ie Get both!

i will have to stick to books. as there is no budget to attend a 5 day training course, which is ashame. So books are the next best thing and practical hands on experience.

IMHO, most books out there (avoiding saying suck) lack. I had all of them and returned them one by one to amazon. i paid 299 for the DBT nuggets to get the tip of the iceberg. than took the SCCM test, and for a refrence: I ended up downloading a little utility called package this (http://packagethis.codeplex.com/), which up installation allows you to download an entire MSDN or techent library in a form of chm help file. There you go, save money, trees, and have the best book out there... after installing Package this Select your choice from the library menu (MSDN or Technet) Scroll down, right click over system center and select all. Be patient, it take time, you can than export as, I chose CHM. it is small enough to fit on any USB key. http://packagethis.codeplex.com/