I thought it would be helpful to create a list of ConfigMgr resources. I’ll keep adding to this page as I discover more. I recommend bookmarking this page!
CONFIGMGR SITE DESIGN & CONFIGURATION
- SQL Server Index and Statistics Maintenance: The built-in ConfigMgr re-index maintenance task is not good enough. In this blog post, SQL MVP Ola Hallengren provides step-by-step instructions on setting up the perfect SQL maintenance tasks for ConfigMgr.
- SQL Server Backup Recommendations for Configuration Manager: In the blog post, ConfigMgr MVP, Steve Thompson provides step-by-step instructions on setting up a superior backup task in SQL server instead of using the inferior backup maintenance task in ConfigMgr.
- System Center 2012 Configuration Manager SQL recommendations: A super-useful ConfigMgr database sizing calculator from the Coretech blog. I’ve used this excel sheet several times when planning ConfigMgr sites. This is a must-have if you are designing a ConfigMgr site.
OPERATING SYSTEM DEPLOYMENT (OSD)
- Deploying a reference image (VM) fully unattended: This blog post by Microsoft MVP, Johan Arwidmark, provides Powershell Scripts for automating the creation of a reference image via MDT 2013.
- Building reference images like a boss!: A great resource from Microsoft MVP, Johan Arwidmark, on creating a Windows 8.1 reference image.
- Deploying UEFI machines with ConfigMgr 2012 R2: In this blog post, Microsoft MVP, Johan Arwidmark, goes over how to configure the ConfigMgr 2012 R2 task sequence for UEFI deployments.
SOFTWARE UPDATES
- Complete Guide to WSUS and ConfigMgr SUP maintenance: A comprehensive article on maintaining WSUS. This is the best article I have seen on WSUS maintenance!
- WSUS Cleanup Script: This script, written by The Scripting Guys, automates the standard WSUS maintenance tasks via PowerShell. The WSUS maintenance tasks are often neglected by ConfigMgr admins. This can lead to unnecessary disk space usage due to unneeded updates/revisions and other issues that I have not listed! I recommend creating a scheduled task to run this script every weekend.
- Re-index the WSUS 3.0 Database: This T-SQL script, from The Scripting Guys, re-indexes and defragments the WSUS 3.0 database. This prevents the performance of WSUS from degrading over time.
UTILITIES
- Now Micro Right-Click Tools: This ConfigMgr extension adds several essential functions to the right-click menu. See the link for a list of functions.
- Greenshot: A great free screenshot utility. Definitely a must have. I find myself using Greenshot every day, whether I’m emailing a screenshot to one of my clients or writing documentation.
- Cortech Shutdown Tool: Cortech designed this tool to ensure that PCs were rebooted after applying Software Updates. The tool has plenty of parameters to provide plenty of customization. The tool presents a nice GUI to the user and will even show how much time is available until the reboot/shutdown occurs. This is an essential tool for a ConfigMgr admin since running into PCs with pending reboots/users that don’t shutdown their PCs is inevitable.
- Coretech Software Update Management Tool: An awesome free tool that makes the process of creating multiple deployments on a Software Update Group a breeze. The tool utilizes templates, specified/created by the user, to create the deployments in batch. This tools is a must have when patch Tuesday comes around.
- Client Center for ConfigurationManager: This tool provides an easy to use interface for troubleshooting client-related issues. See the link for more details.
BOOKS
- System Center 2012 Configuration Manager (SCCM) Unleashed: My go-to reference for ConfigMgr. This books was co-written by several ConfigMgr and System Center MVPs.
REFERENCES
- ConfigMgr Version Number Table: I find that having a ConfigMgr version number table to reference can come in handy. This is especially true when planning an upgrade.
CONFERENCES & EVENTS
- System Center Universe: This conference occurs once a year and is packed full of great presentations by experts and MVPs (Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals) across the System Center stack. Not the mention, it’s a great networking opportunity.