Microsoft Endpoint Manager: Introduction and Lab Preparation from Pluralsight

Get introduced to Microsoft Endpoint Manager (MEM), including Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM) and Microsoft Intune in this course.

Whether you're new to Microsoft Endpoint Manager, or have worked with it's many versions, you're surely aware of how complex any MEM implementation can be. The reach of this solution is so broad, and also so deep, that you almost have to know everything about MEM to truly appreciate anything about it.

Adding to the challenge is the significant overlap in functionality between MECM and Intune. Both solutions can solve very similar problems, but in different ways. This first course of sixteen, Microsoft Endpoint Manager: Introduction and Lab Preparation, gets you started in understanding the high-level architectures for both, with the goal of setting the stage for all the content to follow.

First, you'll start with an introduction to Microsoft Endpoint Manager and it's two major components, Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager and Microsoft Intune. Next, you'll explore the architectures of these two similar, but different solutions. Finally, you'll get to know the lab environment, including the Hyper-V virtual machines and Microsoft 365 instance you'll need if you plan on following along. By the end of this course, you will be more familiar with the content in the learning path, explore MEM, MECM, and Intune architectures, and be prepared in your lab environment.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Introduction

Introduce Microsoft Endpoint Manager

Explore Architectures for MECM and Intune

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Examines Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager and Microsoft Intune, which are must-know for those working with these technologies

Provides hands-on labs and interactive materials, which are useful for practical learning

Instructed by Greg Shields, who has significant expertise in Microsoft Endpoint Manager

Emphasis on introducing Microsoft Endpoint Manager, which is relevant to beginners or those new to it

Suitable for individuals with varying levels of experience with Microsoft Endpoint Manager, making it broadly accessible

Covers the architectures of Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager and Microsoft Intune, which are essential for understanding their functionality

Reviews summary

Mem: foundational architectures & lab prep

According to learners, this course is a fantastic starting point for understanding Microsoft Endpoint Manager. Students praise the clear explanations of complex architectures like MECM and Intune, highlighting how the instructor simplifies challenging topics. The meticulously detailed lab preparation steps are consistently deemed indispensable for gaining hands-on experience and are considered a strong suit. While it provides a solid foundational overview, some learners with minimal virtualization experience might find the lab setup challenging, occasionally requiring extra troubleshooting. Overall, it successfully prepares professionals for deeper dives into MEM.

An introductory course that may feel too high-level for advanced users.

"Found the content a bit basic for my level. Expected more in-depth technical discussion beyond just an introduction."

"While it gives an overview of MEM, it felt too high-level for my expectations."

"As an introductory course, it certainly serves its purpose of setting the groundwork for further learning."

Serves as an excellent and highly relevant introduction for IT professionals.

"Absolutely fantastic starting point for anyone getting into Microsoft Endpoint Manager."

"As an IT professional looking to expand into Endpoint Manager, this course was exactly what I needed."

"This course is definitely geared towards professionals and sets you up well for the deeper dives."

"A very helpful course for getting started with Microsoft Endpoint Manager."

Features meticulously detailed and crucial lab setup instructions for hands-on learning.

"The lab preparation steps were meticulously detailed and indispensable for hands-on learning."

"The hands-on lab setup walkthrough was crucial for me to follow along and grasp the practical aspects."

"The lab practicals were well-explained and essential for understanding."

"The lab environment setup is thorough and practical, preparing you for what's next."

Provides excellent clarity on complex MEM, MECM, and Intune architectures.

"The instructor breaks down complex concepts like MECM and Intune architecture into easily digestible parts."

"I particularly appreciated the clear explanations of the architectural differences between MECM and Intune."

"It clarified the roles of MECM and Intune brilliantly."

"The way the instructor differentiated MECM and Intune was superb."

Some learners new to virtualization found the lab setup challenging.

"I struggled quite a bit with the lab environment setup. The instructions for Hyper-V felt rushed in places..."

"While the lab setup was thorough, a total novice to Hyper-V might find it a bit challenging without prior experience."

"The lab setup instructions were difficult to follow, especially if you encounter any unexpected issues."

"I'd recommend having some prior virtualization knowledge to make it smoother."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Microsoft Endpoint Manager: Introduction and Lab Preparation with these activities:

Review basics of Endpoint Configuration Manager

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Reviewing foundational concepts in Endpoint Configuration Manager will provide a strong foundation for understanding Microsoft Endpoint Manager.

Browse courses on Configuration Management

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Review documentation on Microsoft Docs for MECM
Watch introductory videos on MECM
Read books or articles about MECM

Review basics of Microsoft Intune

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Reviewing foundational concepts in Microsoft Intune will provide a strong foundation for understanding Microsoft Endpoint Manager.

Browse courses on Microsoft Intune

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Review documentation on Microsoft Docs for Intune
Watch introductory videos on Intune
Read books or articles about Intune

Attend local user group meetings or online forums dedicated to Microsoft Endpoint Manager

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Engaging with the Microsoft Endpoint Manager community through local user group meetings or online forums can provide valuable insights and support.

Browse courses on Networking

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Find local user groups or online forums
Attend meetings or participate in discussions

Four other activities

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Practice deploying software using MECM and Intune

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Hands-on practice deploying software using MECM and Intune will reinforce understanding of the deployment process and strengthen practical skills.

Browse courses on Software Deployment

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Set up a lab environment
Deploy software using MECM
Deploy software using Intune

Follow tutorials on configuring MECM and Intune policies

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Following tutorials on configuring MECM and Intune policies will provide practical guidance on implementing security and management settings.

Browse courses on Intune Policies

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Identify relevant policies for your organization
Find tutorials on configuring these policies
Follow the tutorials and configure the policies

Compile a collection of resources (articles, videos, documentation) on best practices for Microsoft Endpoint Manager deployment

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Compiling a collection of resources on best practices for Microsoft Endpoint Manager deployment will provide a valuable reference for ongoing implementation and management.

Browse courses on Best Practices

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Identify relevant resources
Organize and document the resources

Attend a Microsoft Endpoint Manager workshop or training session

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Attending a Microsoft Endpoint Manager workshop or training session will provide in-depth knowledge and hands-on practice from industry experts.

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Find and register for a workshop or training session
Attend the workshop or training session

Career center

Learners who complete Microsoft Endpoint Manager: Introduction and Lab Preparation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Endpoint Security Analyst

Endpoint Security Analysts are responsible for protecting an organization's endpoint devices from security threats. They must be able to identify and respond to security incidents, and escalate incidents to the appropriate personnel. The Microsoft Endpoint Manager: Introduction and Lab Preparation course is highly relevant to a career as an Endpoint Security Analyst, as it provides foundational knowledge of the tools and technologies used to protect endpoint devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Endpoint Security Analyst

Endpoint Management Analyst

Endpoint Management Analysts are responsible for managing and securing an organization's endpoint devices. They must be able to install, configure, and troubleshoot endpoint devices, as well as monitor endpoint device performance and security. The Microsoft Endpoint Manager: Introduction and Lab Preparation course is highly relevant to a career as an Endpoint Management Analyst, as it provides foundational knowledge of the tools and technologies used to manage and protect endpoint devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Endpoint Management Analyst

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. They must be able to identify and assess security risks, and develop and implement security solutions to mitigate these risks. The Microsoft Endpoint Manager: Introduction and Lab Preparation course may be useful for individuals interested in a career as an Information Security Analyst, as it can provide foundational knowledge of the tools used to protect an organization's endpoint devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Network Administrator

Network Administrators manage and maintain an organization's computer networks. They must be able to install, configure, and troubleshoot network hardware and software, as well as monitor network performance and security. The Microsoft Endpoint Manager: Introduction and Lab Preparation course may be useful for individuals interested in a career as a Network Administrator, as it can provide foundational knowledge of the tools used to manage and protect an organization's endpoint devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers design, implement, and manage security measures to protect an organization's network infrastructure. They must have a deep understanding of network security principles and best practices, as well as the ability to work with a variety of network security tools and technologies. The Microsoft Endpoint Manager: Introduction and Lab Preparation course may be useful for individuals interested in a career as a Network Security Engineer, as it can provide foundational knowledge of network security concepts and tools.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Security Consultant

Security Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on how to improve their security posture. They must be able to assess an organization's security needs, and develop and implement security solutions to meet those needs. The Microsoft Endpoint Manager: Introduction and Lab Preparation course may be useful for individuals interested in a career as a Security Consultant, as it can provide foundational knowledge of the tools used to assess and protect an organization's endpoint devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant

Security Operations Center Analyst

Security Operations Center Analysts monitor an organization's security systems and networks for suspicious activity. They must be able to identify and respond to security incidents, and escalate incidents to the appropriate personnel. The Microsoft Endpoint Manager: Introduction and Lab Preparation course may be useful for individuals interested in a career as a Security Operations Center Analyst, as it can provide foundational knowledge of the tools used to monitor and protect an organization's endpoint devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Operations Center Analyst

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity analysts are responsible for proposing and carrying out measures to make sure an organization is protected from cyberattacks, data breaches, and other cybersecurity threats. They must be able to understand and address the various security risks that an organization may be susceptible to, and may also be responsible for providing technical support and advice to end-users. The Microsoft Endpoint Manager: Introduction and Lab Preparation course may be useful for individuals interested in a career as a Cybersecurity Analyst, as it can help provide foundational knowledge of the tools used to protect an organization's endpoint devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Cloud Security Architect

Cloud Security Architects design, implement, and manage cloud-based security solutions to protect data and applications in the cloud. They must have a deep understanding of cloud computing security principles and best practices, as well as the ability to work with a variety of cloud security tools and technologies. The Microsoft Endpoint Manager: Introduction and Lab Preparation course can be helpful for individuals interested in a career as a Cloud Security Architect, as it provides foundational knowledge of cloud security concepts and tools.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Architect

Security Engineer

Security Engineers design, implement, and manage security solutions to protect an organization's IT infrastructure. They must have a deep understanding of security principles and best practices, as well as the ability to work with a variety of security tools and technologies. The Microsoft Endpoint Manager: Introduction and Lab Preparation course may be useful for individuals interested in a career as a Security Engineer, as it can provide foundational knowledge of the tools used to protect an organization's endpoint devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators manage and maintain an organization's computer systems. They must be able to install, configure, and troubleshoot computer hardware and software, as well as monitor system performance and security. The Microsoft Endpoint Manager: Introduction and Lab Preparation course may be useful for individuals interested in a career as a Systems Administrator, as it can provide foundational knowledge of the tools used to manage and protect an organization's endpoint devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Technical Support Specialist

Technical Support Specialists provide technical support to users of computer systems and software. They must be able to troubleshoot and resolve technical problems, as well as provide guidance and documentation to users. The Microsoft Endpoint Manager: Introduction and Lab Preparation course may be useful for individuals interested in a career as a Technical Support Specialist, as it can provide foundational knowledge of the tools used to manage and protect an organization's endpoint devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Support Specialist

IT Security Manager

IT Security Managers oversee the IT security function within an organization. They are responsible for planning, implementing, and managing IT security systems and services. They must have a deep understanding of IT security principles and best practices, as well as the ability to lead and motivate a team of IT security professionals. The Microsoft Endpoint Manager: Introduction and Lab Preparation course may be useful for individuals interested in a career as an IT Security Manager, as it can provide foundational knowledge of the tools used to manage and protect an organization's endpoint devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Security Manager

Information Systems Manager

Information Systems Managers plan, implement, and manage information systems within an organization. They are responsible for ensuring that the organization's information systems are aligned with the organization's business goals. They must have a deep understanding of information systems principles and best practices, as well as the ability to lead and motivate a team of information systems professionals. The Microsoft Endpoint Manager: Introduction and Lab Preparation course may be useful for individuals interested in a career as an Information Systems Manager, as it can provide foundational knowledge of the tools used to manage and protect an organization's endpoint devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Systems Manager

IT Manager

IT Managers oversee the IT function within an organization. They are responsible for planning, implementing, and managing IT systems and services. They must have a deep understanding of IT principles and best practices, as well as the ability to lead and motivate a team of IT professionals. The Microsoft Endpoint Manager: Introduction and Lab Preparation course may be useful for individuals interested in a career as an IT Manager, as it can provide foundational knowledge of the tools used to manage and protect an organization's endpoint devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager