Microsoft Surface 3 - Manual (Page 28)

© 2014 Microsoft Page 28
MDT can also be used to manage packages that contain features or packs. Through the selection profile functionality
available in MDT, these packages can be targeted to specific computers. An example usage would be to deploy Remote
Server Administration Tools (RSAT) for system administrators.
Task Sequences
One of the key mechanisms by which actions are performed by MDT are task sequences. Task sequences are a series of
steps that together comprise the actions performed in a deployment and the conditions that control which steps are
performed. MDT provides nine out-of-the-box task sequence templates to get you started with task sequences. They
are:

Sysprep and Capture – Task sequences created by this template begins with a reference system, prepares it for
deployment, captures an image, and writes it to the deployment share.

Standard Client Task Sequence – This template creates a task sequence that includes the default steps for
deploying a Windows client operating system to a new computer or system.

Standard Client Replace Task Sequence – Task sequences generated from this template are for preparing an
existing operating system for replacement.

Custom Task Sequence – This template is used to generate a blank task sequence that can be customized.

Litetouch OEM Task Sequence – This template is used by system manufacturers to place an operating system on
a computer for distribution to customers.

Standard Server Task Sequence – This template is used to create a task sequence for deploying Windows
Server.

Post OS Installation Task Sequence – Task sequences created from this template can be used to performing any
required task after the operating system is installed. For example, task sequences created from this template
can be used to install applications from the deployment share to an already existing Windows environment.

Deploy to VHD Client Task Sequence – Task sequences created from this template can be used to deploy a
Windows client to a computer using boot to VHD.

Deploy to VHD Server Task Sequence – Task sequences created from this template can be used to deploy a
Windows Server to a computer using boot to VHD.
Task sequences provide pre-configured processes for deployment tasks that can be controlled or run from the
deployment wizard. They can be configured to be manual (allowing the technician to control the process through the
supplied prompts and choices), or automated (where the answers to prompts or choices are pre-selected in the task
sequence). Task sequences enable the deployment wizard to be configured to prompt the technician for only the
essential information, thereby minimizing effort.
Task sequences are often configured to address specific goals or scenarios required during deployment. Here are some
examples that show how separate task sequences can be created for each department to address the requirements of
that department specifically. The examples below illustrate how it is possible to control the deployment wizard through
task sequences to present only preselected options during deployment. Task sequences are shown in more detail in
Chapter 3 , Chapter 4, and Chapter 5 .

Financial Department Task Sequence
o Image: Windows 7 Enterprise, required for compatibility with a custom developed application