MCSA/MCSE 70-270 Exam Prep 2: Windows XP Professional

Chapter Summary

This chapter reviewed the types of profiles that you can configure to manage desktop settings for users, how to manage settings for users who move between various locations or who require different languages, and how to deploy a Windows Installer package with Group Policy. Each of these processes is a method of managing the desktop settings for users.

User profiles should not be confused with hardware profiles or Group Policy, although those can also be used to manage settings. There are several types of profiles. A local profile is created for every user who logs on. A roaming profile can be created by an administrator to maintain consistent desktop settings as a user logs on at different network computers. A mandatory profile is a roaming profile that is treated as though it is read-only, and any user changes to desktop settings are discarded. A temporary profile is loaded on a computer when there is an error accessing the user's normal profile.

You can transfer the files and settings between Windows computers, even those that are of an older versionsuch as Windows 98with a Windows XP computer. The Files and Settings Transfer Wizard is available in the System Tools menu within Accessories.

Settings that apply to a user's need to run multiple languages or move between different geographical locations are found in the Regional and Language Options Control Panel applet. A keyboard layout can be added to support different language requirements, a Language bar can be configured for users, and hot-key sequences can be configured to quickly switch between the various input languages.

The Msiexec.exe application is used to install Windows Installer packages. It works in conjunction with the Windows Installer service and a management API. Windows Installer files use an .msi extension. A transform file with an .mst extension can be configured to script how the application is installed. When deployed with Active Directory's Group Policy, an .msi can be assigned so that computers automatically install the software, or so that users automatically receive the software, or published so that users can add the application from the Add/Remove Programs applet in Control Panel.