What benefits does a client receive from Configuration Manager?

Answer:

• Reliability: Your device will quickly receive software updates and patches with little to no interaction on your part.
• Time Efficiency: You will stay more productive as deployment and updating processes run in the background, freeing up more time for teaching, research and management.
• Flexibility: You can choose when and where to install new software or run maintenance on your device through Self-service portals.
• Security: IT Technicians will manage the security of your machine so you don't have to. You can rest assured that software patches, antivirus protection, and firewalls are well maintained.
• Confidentiality: Your data and files will remain confidential; no personal data is scanned, indexed, or transmitted off your device. CMT servers also keep full audit logs of any actions performed by technicians.
• Compliance: Your device will always be in compliance with federal laws governing requirements for research or student data on University computers.

How does Configuration Manager work?

Answer: The Configuration Manager infrastructure consists of several high-performance, redundant servers which provide a database of computer information and data storage for programs, applications, and operating system images for deployment to end-user computers. Configuration Manager utilizes a small software utility known as an "agent" to communicate with the servers. This agent inventories hardware specifications, software installation information and provides for the automated installation of software updates and security patches. Included with the agent is another application called "Software Center", which will be described below.

All client/server communication is encrypted by a certificate pair configured when the agent is installed.

What information does Configuration Manager collect?

Answer: The UIT implementation of Configuration Manager has been customized to collect only the data needed to support computers running a Microsoft Windows operating system. This information includes:

• Hardware Specifications
• Installed Applications & Usage
• Services Running
• Available Software Updates
• Local User Accounts and Login/Logout Timestamps
• Security Status (Firewall, SSH, etc)
• Connected Peripheral Devices

No personal information is collected, such as the contents or names of personal files (documents, email, etc) or any browsing history.

How is the Configuration Manager agent installed?

Answer: Contact your local IT support to install Configuration Manager.

How do I uninstall Configuration Manager?

Answer: Contact your local IT support to uninstall Configuration Manager.

What devices does Configuration Manager support?

Answer: Generally, System Center Configuration Manager supports all recent versions of Microsoft Windows including Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows Server 2012. For more information, please see the SCCM Compatibility list.

Is my computer enrolled in Configuration Manager?

Answer: To find out if your computer is enrolled, look for the Configuration Manager object found in the Windows Control Panel. Additionally, you may look for a Configuration Manager category in your Windows Start menu.

What is Software Center?

Answer: The Software Center application is similar to a mobile device app store (such as Google Play or the Apple App Store), but it provides customized content for university Windows systems. This content includes access to university approved software, maintenance task scheduling, support options, and other documentation. The Software Center gives you the flexibility of choosing what to install and when to install it.

Can I connect to Software Center when I am off-campus?

Answer: For Software Center to function, the computer must be on CougarNet, or connected using VPN.

What changes does the installation of Configuration Manager make to a PC?

Answer: Configuration Manager installs the agent to your PC. The agent runs in the background and will not interfere with the operation of your computer. Additionally, Configuration Manager installs the Software Center application and the Configuration Manager control panel object.

How will software be installed on my computer?

Answer: Most software installations will be initiated using the Software Center application. Your local IT support may also push software as needed/requested. UIT will not distribute software unless requested to do so by the local IT manager.

Who has access to my computer?

Answer: Select members of your local IT support have the ability to manage your Windows computer with the Configuration Manager. Departmental and divisional IT support will be able to manage their respective systems across the campus.

Will I still have Administrative access to my PC?

Answer: There will be no automatic changes to the privileges of your user account by enrolling in Configuration Manager. Your local IT support will contact you if changes are to be made.

What policies are enforced?

Answer: At this time there are no policies that are automatically enforced system wide by UIT. The distribution of policies is the responsibility of individual local IT manager. If you have any questions about what policies are enforced, please contact your local IT support.

UIT does provide and maintain a catalog of software, maintenance tasks, and other links in Software Center and UH Apps. The Software Center catalog may also be supplemented by your local IT support.

For questions or concerns about SCCM,
Email: SCCMsupport@uh.edu