Applying Change and Configuration Management

Meeting the Needs of Technical Users

Technical users, such as developers, often need to be the administrators of their own computers. They typically like the IT department to provide management services without taking away their ability to control their own computers.

For these users, Windows 2000 change and configuration management can help simplify the setup of their computers and minimize the loss of personal data.

The following Basic and Advanced options illustrate how change and configuration management might be applied to technical users:

Basic User Data Management. All aspects apply. Redirect My Documents, particularly for laptop users. Do not redirect the desktop. Enable offline folders on the My Documents share.
Advanced User Data Management. Some technical users might want to use Roaming User Profiles. They will also want to maintain local administrative privileges.
Basic Settings Management. Impose the least possible number of overrides to their configurations.
Advanced Settings Management. None.
Basic Software Installation and Maintenance. All aspects apply. Published applications and Remote OS Installation provide strong benefits without depriving technical users of control.
Advanced Software Installation and Maintenance. No assignment or any form of control.
Advanced Remote OS Installation. Grant access to the advanced installation options. If necessary, make all applicable installation images available for selection by the user.