Novell Technical Subscriptions
February 2005 Highlights - ZENworks Toolkit
Need time to relax? By implementing the tools and resources in this month's update to the ZENworks® Toolkit, you'll be on your way to inner tranquility. This month, you receive the latest ZENworks software, a new online Authorized Training course, the exclusive Client ADM utility and some outstanding bonus utilities. This month's kit also includes new files and patches, documentation for Novell Linux Management 6.6, more than 608 new Support Knowledgebase documents (TIDs) and so much more.
- Novell Software
- Advanced and Expanded Resources
- Support Resources
- Technical Information Resources
- What's New and Upcoming
Novell software
New Software—Now shipping on DVD!
This convenient DVD includes your favorite ZENworks products as well as the new ZENworks Linux Management 6.6. With ZENworks Linux Management 6.6, you can use a centralized management console to handle software updates, new installs and removals from any number of Linux systems.
For example, suppose your organization has a large number of Linux machines, a large number of individual software packages and several network administrators. ZENworks Linux Management lets you sort and organize them and set the access that they have to each other.
Advanced and Expanded Resources
Authorized Training Content (online)
The following Authorized Training course is now available online to all Novell ZENworks Toolkit subscribers:
Novell ZENworks 6.5 Desktop Management: Student Manual Volume 1 (Course 3041)
Become a desktop management guru! With Novell ZENworks 6.5 Desktop Management: Student Manual Volume 1 (Course 3041), you will learn to manage policies, applications, workstations and inventory using ZENworks 6.5 Desktop Management. This online course explains how to perform the following processes:
- Install ZENworks for Desktops 6.5
- Use ZENworks 6.5 Desktop Management Policy Management
- Implement Server Policies
- Implement User Policies
- Manage Personality Migration Services
- Image Workstations with ZENworks 6.5
- Automatically Import Workstations
- Implement Workstation Policies
- Implement Service Location Policies
New Exclusive Utility—Client ADM Utility 2.1
Note: This release is for Novell Client 4.9x (English only).
Client ADM Utility 2.1 simplifies the process of managing the Novell Client by allowing you to use group policies delivered through ZENworks. This version of the Client ADM Utility contains all the new settings available in Novell Client 4.9 SP2, plus bug fixes from the original release (which can be found on Cool Solutions).
Here's some helpful background information on this utility:
With the release of ZENworks for Desktops 4.0, Novell removed the client configuration policy present in previous versions of ZENworks. (ZENworks for Desktops 4.0 and later versions do not require the client if you deploy mid-tier servers.) However, if you want to retain the client—for its ease of use and performance benefits—ZENworks for Desktops does not provide an easy way to change the client setup.
The best option is to use extensible policies (for Windows NT) or group policies (for Windows 2000/XP). However, the administrative templates (ADM files) for the Novell Client were not updated for a few years (since 2000, in fact), and many features were missing. Client ADM Utility 2.1 provides updated ADM files.
Note: We do not recommend using Automatic Client Update (ACU) or NCIMAN to update ADM files. ACU is a good way to initially deploy Novell Client, but it's an excessive tool for small updates. The management tool, NCIMAN, is sometimes missing the latest settings included in support packs and patches.
Bonus Utilities
Make the most of Novell ZENworks by enhancing it with the latest bonus utilities:
- AmoK DelayDel—upon reboot, automatically deletes files that are not in use
- MASS 2.79—acts as a Multiple Application Setting Syncer
- ENGL ZmgWiz 1.0—scans one or more ZENworks image (.zmg) files and displays detailed disk- and file-usage reports that can be optionally output to an XML file
- MyITHelper—helps troubleshoot desktop issues
- RegKeyDeleteClean—deletes all Registry Key Delete sections from a named .AXT file
- ZENworks Imaging USB v6.5—provides ZENworks Imaging for USB devices
- ZENworks Imaging USB v4.01.05—provides ZENworks Imaging for USB devices
- Administrative Template—allows you to control Windows' startup settings via ZENworks
- BCAST.AU3—enables you to display a Web page upon login
- Compname v0.6—enables you to display SMBIOS information and change/display the computer name
- ZenRemoteControlWrapper—provides a wrapper exe to launch Zen RemoteControl
- ZfD Auto Workstation Import (Version 1)—remotely installs the agent, automatically restarts the workstation and automatically logs in to the eDirectory tree
Support Resources
Latest Files and Patches
However else you choose to use this month's shipment, be sure to update Novell ZENworks with the latest files and patches. This month we're including eight new files and patches for ZENworks that can help improve performance and efficiency systemwide.
Technical Information Resources
Updated Product Documentation
Find out everything you ever wanted to know about Linux management! This month's ZENworks Toolkit includes both the latest ZENworks Linux Management software and the accompanying documentation. The ZENworks Linux Management 6.6 Administration Guide will help you do the following:
- Plan your deployment
- Install the software
- Understand server and client operations
- Perform tasks in the Web interface
- Perform tasks using command-line tools
- Manage clients
- Perform larger deployments
- Use advanced features
- Troubleshoot common problems
Novell Connection articles
Want the scoop on some of the hottest new technologies from Novell? Be sure to read the November/December 2004 edition of Novell Connection. Here's a sampling of the latest articles:
- Bottom Line–Novell Remote and Managed Services—Helping IT organizations achieve high levels of performance and success
- Proof Point–eGovernment at Work—The state of Nebraska uses Nsure and exteNd solutions on SUSE LINUX to beef up services
- Tech Talk #1–Novell's Open Desktop Initiative—Novell's move to a Linux desktop
- Tech Talk #2–Consistently Consistent—Software packaging with ZENworks 6.5
- Tech Talk #3–More More More—Novell exteNd 5.2 and the pursuit of SOA-called happiness
- Tech Talk #4–Bright ideas—Efficient Windows management with ZENworks 6.5 Suite
- Tech Talk #5–Cheat Sheet—A sneak peek at the Novell CLE Study Guide
- Tech Talk #6–Smooth Moves—GroupWise 6.5 transitioning to Linux
- Tech Talk #7–Identity-Driven Storage Management—Novell File System Factory
- Fine Print–Novell Support Forums—A wealth of information
New Support Knowledgebase documents (TIDs)
Your questions are important to us. We've compiled more than 608 Support Knowledgebase documents (TIDs) during the past three months. These documents provide answers and tips for resolving technical issues. Search them today and get the information you need to keep your systems performing at their best.
Product Communities articles
For technological inspiration—and a peek at the newest product information—check out the 26 new Product Communities articles that focus on ZENworks. These articles—which also include Cool Solutions content—deliver technical analysis, general overviews and quick tips on your favorite products and solutions. Start reading today!
Online Web Forums Archive
Your peers are some of your best resources. Now you can review their wisdom from the convenience of the Web. We've archived the Web forums online so you can search for technical hints, deployment options, workarounds, general troubleshooting suggestions and much more. Search the archived content today or visit the live forums at http://support.novell.com/forums/
What's New and Upcoming
BrainShare Is Almost Here—Register Today!
Novell BrainShare is just weeks away. This year it will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah from March 20-25. BrainShare is the ultimate technical solutions conference, providing the opportunity to receive hands-on training directly from product designers and experts. Whether you want additional training on a product you already use or are considering a Novell solution to fit your business needs, BrainShare is the place to experience it first-hand. Additionally, at more than 100 stations set up in a lab you can see product demonstrations, meet with product experts and experience the thrill of amazing new technologies at work. Register today and be part of the excitement!
Get 30 Percent Off the New Novell ZENworks 6.5 Administrator's Handbook
The Novell ZENworks 6.5 Suite Administrator's Handbook is a solid reference guide to all the new features of ZENworks 6.5. It includes descriptions of all the ZENworks 6.5 components, as well as the new features from the merged products. Packed with detailed information on how to install, efficiently use and troubleshoot ZENworks 6.5 in an enterprise environment, Novell ZENworks 6.5 Suite Administrator's Handbook is the ideal guide to maximize your ZENworks 6.5 experience.