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What is an “application” and why would I use it?

Configuration Manager 2012 applications contain the administrative details and Application Catalog information necessary to deploy a software package or software update to a computer or mobile device.

What is a “deployment type” and why would I use one?

A deployment type is contained within an application and specifies the installation files and method that Configuration Manager will use to install the software. The deployment type contains rules and settings that control if and how the software is installed on client computers.

What is the “deployment purpose” and why would I use this?

The deployment purpose defines what the deployment should do and represents the administrator’s intent. For example, an administrative user might require the installation of software on client computers or might just make the software available for users to install themselves. A global condition can be set to check regularly that required applications are installed and to reinstall them if they have been removed.

What is a global condition and how is it different from a deployment requirement?

Global conditions are conditions used by requirement rules. Requirement rules set a value for a deployment type for a global condition. For example, “operating system =” is a global condition; a requirement rule is “operating system = Win7.”

How do I make an application deployment optional rather than mandatory?

To make a deployment optional, configure the deployment purpose as Available in the applications deployment type. Available applications display in the Application Catalog where users can install them.

Can users request applications?

Yes. Users can browse a list of available software in the Application Catalog. Users can then request an application which, if approved, will be installed on their computer. To make a deployment optional, configure the deployment purpose as Available in the applications deployment type.

Why would I use a package and program to deploy software rather than an application deployment?

Some scenarios, such as the deployment of a script that runs on a client computer but that does not install software, are more suited to using a package and program rather than an application.

Can I deploy Office so that it installs locally on a user’s main workstation but is available to that user as a virtual application from any computer?

Yes. You can configure multiple deployment types for an application. Rules that specify which deployment type is run allows you to specify how the application is made available to the user.

Does Configuration Manager 2012 help identify which computers a user uses to support the user device affinity feature?

Yes. Configuration Manager 2012 collects usage statistics from client devices that can be used to automatically define user device affinities or to help you manually create affinities.

Can I migrate my existing packages and programs from Configuration Manager 2007 to a Configuration Manager 2012 hierarchy?

Yes. You can see migrated packages and programs in the Packages node in the Software Library workspace. You can also use the Import Package from Definition Wizard to import Configuration Manager 2007 package definition files into your site.

Does the term “software” include scripts and drivers?

Yes. In Configuration Manager 2012, the term software includes software updates, applications, scripts, task sequences, device drivers, configuration items, and configuration baselines.

Do references to “devices” in Configuration Manager 2012 mean mobile devices?

The term “device” in Configuration Manager 2012 applies to a computer or a mobile device such as a Windows Mobile Phone.

What does “state-based deployment” mean in reference to Configuration Manager 2012?

Depending on the deployment purpose you have specified in the deployment type of an application, Configuration Manager 2012 periodically checks that the state of the application is the same as its purpose. For example, if an application’s deployment type is specified as Required, Configuration Manager will reinstall the application if it has been removed. Only one deployment type can be created per application and collection pair.