Introduction
“Checkpoints” section, in which potential problem areas are reviewed and new troubleshooting tips are presented.
Part I: Installation, Planning, and Management
Part I introduces the reader to SMS 2003, outlining its features and functionality and comparing and contrasting it to the previous version, SMS 2.0. This part also covers a wide range of topics specific to the installation and planning of an SMS site. Chapter 1, “Overview,” presents an overview of SMS 2003. Chapter 2, “Primary Site Installation,” provides a detailed discussion of the installation process for an SMS primary site, including preinstallation requirements as well as postinstallation system modifications. You’ll also learn how to navigate administrative functions using the SMS Administrator console, which uses the Microsoft Management Console (MMC) format. In Chapter 3, “Configuring Site Server Properties and Site Systems,” you’ll learn how to define and configure the SMS site and site systems. Chapter 4, “Multiple-Site Structures,” suggests planning considerations for a multiple-site structure, including developing parent-child relationships among primary sites, creating secondary sites, and establishing SMS 2003 communication mechanisms between sites. Chapter 5, “Analysis and Troubleshooting Tools,” and Chapter 6, “System Performance and Network Analysis,” introduce the reader to the various tools available in SMS 2003 that enable the administrator to monitor activity in the SMS site, track the flow of information, and analyze network and server performance. These tools will be examined in more detail in subsequent chapters.