Integrating Mac OS^® X into a Windows^® Environment: Hands-On

What is this course about?

This course will teach you how to install and configure Mac OS X desktops and servers to seamlessly integrate into a Windows environment. Through a progressive case study, you gain practical experience integrating OS X desktops and servers into a Windows enterprise system.

Why do I need this course?

With the introduction of more software options for Mac users, it's increasingly common for Macs to be integrated into a Microsoft enterprise network. However, since Mac OS X is a lesser-known technology, there are few resources available for making this integration. Organizations need system tools to manage both platforms and administrators with knowledge of maintaining both systems and ensuring hardware compatibility.

I thought Apple computers were easy to use-all you have to do is plug them in and go.

In any enterprise configuration, "plug in and go" is not realistic due to the number of machines that need to be managed, ensuring security, diversity of the shared resources (printers, file servers, back ups, etc.) and achieving a common desktop and authentication environment for all platforms. This course addresses enterprise network configuration, giving you the tools and techniques to achieve these solutions.

Who will benefit from this course?

This course is valuable for those who need to integrate Mac OS X into a Windows environment, including:

• Windows system administrators
• UNIX system administrators
• Apple power users
• Windows power users moving to Macintosh
• System integrators
• Help desk and support people

What background do I need?

General networking knowledge at the level of Course 450: A Comprehensive Introduction to Networking, or equivalent experience, is assumed.

Windows server and directory services knowledge at the level of Course 960: Windows Server^® 2008: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction, is helpful, but is not required.

What versions of OS X are covered?

This course covers OS X Tiger (10.4) and Leopard (10.5). While the exercises are performed on Leopard, if you use Tiger or an earlier OS X version, you will find the exercises equally applicable. The server platform used is OS X Server Leopard (10.5).

I use Windows 2000 or Windows Vista/Server 2008. Will this course be valuable for me?

Yes. This course uses standard networking components built into the platforms and which have not changed across the Vista/XP/2000 versions.

What is the difference between OS X client and server?

Superficially, the OS X client and server may look the same. However, server platforms include several enterprise components not available at the client level, including directory services, management tools, enterprise-level file sharing, security and enterprise services.

What are the benefits of having an OS X server within a Windows environment?

An OS X server allows you to simplify your Mac client administration and authentication to the Windows Active Directory. Further, an OS X server allows users to save their work to the server, provides access to server files, facilitates collaboration, allows for Time Machine or Time Capsule backup, and enables client management and control.

What computers are used?

In this course, you work on MacBook Pro laptop computers with Leopard and VMware-based Windows Server.

How much time is spent on each topic?

How much of this course is hands-on?

You spend approximately 50 percent of the course in hands-on exercises. Based on a real-world scenario, the course exercises provide you with experience to build your own enterprise network with Mac and Windows clients and servers.

I have a lot of Apple experience with little Windows experience. Will I still benefit form this course?

Yes! From any administrative perspective, the tools and techniques introduced in this course bring both platforms together. This course does not teach Windows Server and Active Directory administration. However, we will integrate the networking and administrative functionality across the platforms.

Is this course going to teach me how to use Leopard from an end-user perspective?

This course focuses on networking Macs within a Windows enterprise network. However, we will introduce some of the newer features of Leopard, including Spaces, Stacks, Time Machine and other UI features.

How does this course relate to other Learning Tree courses?

For more information on Windows administration, you may be interested in the following courses:

• Course 960: Windows Server^® 2008: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction
• Course 961: Windows Server^® 2008 Administration: Hands-On
• Course 962: Windows Server^® 2008 Active Directory Domain Services: Hands-On

You may also be interested in these courses:

• Course 451: Network Configuration and Troubleshooting: Hands-On
• Course 2761: iPhone^® and iPad^® Programming: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction

US Dates