There are thousands of settings that system admins need to set to create a good image. I ran across a resource that simply explains some Vista system settings that all admins should take into account while building an image.

Here is the link:
Vista Tips, Microsoft Windows Vista Guide

Are you tired of deploying an image that is months (or years) behind in Windows Updates? Do you use WSUS, but it takes too long to get all of the updates installed? Or do you rebuild your personal computer and don't want to connect to the network until it is completely up-to-date?

The solution for you is a program called AutoPatcher. According to the AutoPatcher web site:

AutoPatcher is based on the functionality of these special updates, automating their installation process. This way, with only a few mouse clicks and two minutes of your time, AutoPatcher is able to continue with the installation of the items you selected. In short, AutoPatcher combines the advantage of both Windows Update (presentation and description of updates and automated installation), and the special administrative updates (portability and installation without the need of an Internet connection...

When upgrading our Altiris Agent environment, such as deploying a roll-up or service pack, there are always a few straggler machines that seem to get 'stuck', and don't complete the agent upgrade task.

The tip found in a knowledgebase article can be the key to giving those machines a 'boot', so to speak..

Check out the KB Article below, entitled:

"After NS Core R3 Upgrade, some agents would not upgrade." - KB 33865

It can be found at:

https://kb.altiris.com/article.asp?article=33865&p=1

Question from a real user: "I thought installing a Service Pack would be easy. But after installing Service Pack 1, Local Security Solution is not working correctly and I have some weird errors in my Notification Server logs. What gives?"

Answer from a real smart egg in Altiris support: "The details of the logs indicated that there were some specific assemblies that were not loaded correctly. The good news is that there is a solution."

More details and a resolution can be found at:

http://kb.altiris.com/article.asp?article=32955&p=3