Courses

Public and Private Packages Available.

Advanced Microsoft Training

We focus on knowledge and being able to transition knowledge to ensure our customers are successful in the long run. This can include one-on-one training to formalized classroom settings. Designing and implementing is the easy part, ensuring that everyone is familiar and comfortable with the solution afterward has almost as significant of an outcome to the solution’s implementation.

Big Hat Group offers customized training options for Microsoft technologies either as stand-alone training or as part of a consulting agreement. Our offerings are based on customized courseware not authored by vendors. The intent with this approach is to make a more in-depth courseware that focuses on real world scenarios and more closely tracks product updates making scenarios more relevant.

Currently we offer courses in the following technologies:

  • Microsoft Application Virtualization
  • Microsoft User Experience Virtualization
  • Windows Azure RemoteApp

Introduction

Big Hat Group is hosting two new public classes for App-V 5.1 using our expert level training course maintained by App-V MVPs and taught by App-V MVPs known as Gridmastertraining.com. Using live virtual environments, the student is immersed in building their own virtual infrastructure, sequencing and deploying applications. Our courseware is designed to go over many real world scenarios so the student can get a better understanding of what considerations need to be accounted for when packaging and delivering isolated applications using App-V 5.x. Since the product is almost a complete re-write of the software we recommend this course to anyone who has worked with App-V in the past that wants to quickly understand the new product capabilities and behaviors. With practical examples you will see how these new features are implemented and managed. Since integration with Configuration Manager 2012 is a hot topic you will be introduced to application model fundamentals and insight into how to build a fully functioning App-V 5 application model.

Public Courses

The following public courses have been scheduled with a guaranteed to run status so you can be assured that the course date is not changing. We require a company P.O., credit card or cheque to reserve a seat and the cost is $3000 a seat regardless of classroom format.

Registration for the online class is limited to North America to ensure the quality of the online environment.

Classes can be hosted online using our custom built Hyper-V classrooms. Both courses will be taught by Kevin Kaminski who is a five time Microsoft MVP for Application Virtualization.

If you are booking the Calgary class we will be using the Best Western Suites Downtown Calgary (1330 8th Street S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2R 1B6) as the teaching facility. Contact kevin.kaminski [at] bighatgroup [dot] com about booking rates for a room or other recommendations in the area.

Private Courses

Private courses are usually viable for customers that have three or more students and want a more private and tailored experience. For example there might be a need to focus more on Configuration Manager 2012 scenarios or the implications of managing applications in a Remote Desktop Services environment opposed to a traditional desktop delivery of virtual applications. Feel free to contact kevin.kaminski [at] bighatgroup [dot] com to tailor a class to your needs today.

Course Outline

Introduction

What is App-V?

  • Encapsulation
  • Application Definition Delivery and Streaming
  • Application Publishing Delivery
  • Application Execution
  • Differences from App-V before Version 5

Traditional Installed Applications

  • Files
  • Shortcuts
  • Registry
  • COM Objects and Interfaces
  • File Type Associations, Shell Integrations, and ShellEx Integrations
  • Protocol Handlers
  • Software Client Systems
  • Application Capabilities
  • App Paths
  • The Installer Itself

Virtualized Applications

  • Creating a Virtualized Application Package
  • Running the Virtualized Application Package
  • Example: How is a Registry Call Virtualized?
  • The Seven Kinds of Application Virtualization
  • How Virtual Registry and Virtual File Types Work
  • Redirection without Isolation in App-V 5

Virtual Application Delivery and Streaming

  • Registering the package with the client
  • Implementing “MetaData” for virtualized files
  • Downloading the Virtual Registry
  • Storing DeploymentConfig information
  • Additional File Streaming
  • Feature Blocks and Streaming
  • Add Package Scripts
  • Filling the Cache
  • Going “Cacheless” at the Client

Virtual Application Publishing

  • Shortcuts
  • File Type Associations
  • Additional Extensions
  • Publishing Time Scripts
  • Publishing Assignment
  • Connection Groups
  • Measuring Virtual Application Usage after Publishing

Ways to Implement App-V

  • Common Components
  • Sequencer Component
  • Virtualized Application Content Store
  • Client Component
  • Optional Reporting Server
  • Full App-V Management Infrastructure
  • App-V Infrastructure Components
  • App-V Infrastructure with Multiple Servers
  • Shared SCCM Management Infrastructure
  • Virtual MSI / Stand-Alone Client / Third Party Tools
  • Virtual Application MSI delivery
  • The Client PowerShell Interface
  • Third Party Tools
  • Additional Implementation Considerations
  • Delivering Applications to the App-V Client Using Different Methods
  • User –Added Virtual Application Packages
  • App-V Client Shared Cache Mode
  • App-V 4.6: Coexistence and Migration

Planning for App-V Servers

  • Requirements and Pre-requisites
  • Hardware Requirements
  • OS Requirements
  • Negative Software Requirements
  • Positive Software Requirements
  • SQL Database Versions Supported
  • Determining Your Server Architecture Requirements
  • Storage Consideration
  • Branch Site Considerations
  • App-V Management Server
  • Installation of the Management Server
  • Minimum Requirements and Pre-Requisites
  • Management Server Installation via GUI
  • Management Server Installation as Silent Installation
  • Configuring the Management Server
  • Configuring the Windows Firewall
  • Modifying the Default Website Default Page
  • Launching the Management Console and Configuring the Publishing Server(s)
  • Management Server Maintenance and Troubleshooting
  • Management Server Registry
  • Management Server Files
  • Management Server PowerShell Interface
  • Event Viewer
  • Analytic and Debug Event Logs
  • Debugging the Management Server
  • Management Server Database Layout (Version 5.0.285)
  • Package Management Using the Management Server
  • Deploying Sigil 0.6.2 via Management Server
  • Deploying an Paint.Net with a modified DeploymentConfig file
  • Deploying WinRAR and then Applying an Updated Package (Active Upgrade)

App-V Publishing Server

  • Installation of the Publishing Server
  • Minimum Requirements and Pre-Requisites
  • Publishing Server Installation
  • Publishing Server Installation as Silent Installation
  • Post Installation Configuration
  • Configuring the Windows Firewall
  • Adjust Polling Timer
  • Maintenance and Troubleshooting the Publishing Server
  • Analytic and Debug Event Logs7
  • App-V Reporting Server
  • Installation of the Reporting Server
  • Minimum Requirements and Pre-Requisites
  • Reporting Server Installation via GUI
  • Reporting Server Installation as Silent Installation
  • Post Installation Activities
  • Maintenance and Troubleshooting the Reporting Server
  • Windows Registry
  • Event Logs for Reporting Server
  • Reporting Server Database Schema (Version 5.0.285)
  • Creating Custom Reports
  • App-V Clients
  • Package Deployment and Application Usage

SCCM 2012 with SP1

  • Considerations on System Configuration for App-V
  • Brief Introduction to the ConfigMan
  • Launching the Console
  • Discovery
  • Boundaries, and the SCCM Client
  • ConfigMan Client Settings and App-V
  • Primer on the “Application Model”
  • Distribution of the App-V Client
  • App-V 5 Client Installation
  • App-V 4.6SP2 Client Installation
  • Client HotFixes and Service packs
  • Distribution of Virtual Applications
  • Simplified Application Model Use
  • Fully Specified Application Model Use
  • Global Conditions
  • Lab: Deploying Multiple Deployment Types of Virtual Packages

What is “Sequencing”?

  • Applications not Suitable for Virtualization
  • The Anatomy of a Sequence
  • The Application Sequencing Process

Setting up your Sequencing Environment

  • General Rules
  • Use Virtual Machines
  • Use Multiple VMs
  • Use Separate VMs for Sequencing and Testing
  • Sequencer Specifics
  • Just One Partition
  • Keep the Image Clean
  • Using a Standard Client Image
  • Exempt from Group Policy
  • Exempt from Other Pushy Agents
  • Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware
  • Disable Background Services Not Needed
  • Adding “Dummy” ODBC and Printers?
  • Using VM “Integration” Components and Enlightenments?
  • Add the VM Operating System to the Domain?
  • Each Sequencing Image Needs Two Snapshots
  • “Smoke Test” Client Specifics
  • Using AppV_Manage for Testing

Advanced Sequencer Topics

  • Monitoring Technique in App-V 4.*
  • Monitoring Technique in App-V 5.*
  • Reboots in App-V 4.*
  • Reboots in App-V 5.*
  • Use of “Other” disks
  • x86 / x64
  • Logs in App-V 5.*
  • Sequencer Event Logs
  • Standard Event Logs
  • Debug and Analytic Event Logs

Preparing the Sequencing VM Lab

  • What is in the Image?
  • What about Office?
  • Multiple Sequence Images
  • Tuning the image
  • VM Integration Components
  • Requirements and Pre-requisites
  • Hardware Requirements
  • OS Requirements
  • Software Pre-requisites and Requirements

Sequencing Your First Application

  • Lab Introduction
  • Lab Goals
  • Lab Requirements
  • Lab Background: Naming Conventions
  • Package Name
  • Package Folder Name
  • Primary Virtual Asset Directory Name
  • Application Shortcut Names
  • Lab Background: Preparation for a new Sequence

Extension Points & Streaming

  • Lab Introduction
  • Lab Background: Shell Integrations and Extensions
  • Lab Background: Streaming

Sequencing a Package Upgrade

  • Lab Introduction
  • Lab Background: About Upgrades
  • Lab Background: Using an existing package for “Branching” or “Active Upgrade”
  • Special Considerations When Upgrading
  • Upgrading a package with a modified exclusion list
  • Original installation folder
  • Customized “Preference” changes
  • Original package Shortcut, FTA, and other “Extension” Changes

Client PowerShell Add/Pub & Upgrade

  • Lab Introduction
  • 8.3. Lab Background: PowerShell and the App-V Client PowerShell Interface
  • Lab Part 1: Add/Publish the Original package
  • Lab Part 2: Testing the Original WinRar
  • Lab Part 3: Upgrading the WinRar package
  • Lab Part 4: Testing the Upgraded Package

Post-Sequencing Customizations

  • Lab Introduction
  • Lab Background: Deployment and UserConfig files
  • Lab Background: Shell Extensions
  • Lab Background: About VC++ Runtimes
  • Lab Background: About Paint.Net 3.5.10
  • Lab Part 1: Sequencing Paint.Net
  • Lab Part 2: Post-Sequence Modifications

Adobe Reader and Shell Extensions

  • Lab Introduction
  • Lab Background: Shell Extensions
  • Lab Background: Adobe Reader X/XI and “Protected Mode”
  • Lab Background: Adobe Reader XI and the Customization Wizard
  • Post-Sequencer Modifications for Shell Extensions
  • Lab Instructions for Testing at a Client Machine

Internet Explorer Add-ins, Connection Groups, and RunVirtual

  • Lab Introduction
  • Sequencing OS Components
  • Packages with references to “Native” target executable files
  • Connection Groups
  • Sequencing IE Plug-ins
  • About RunVirtual
  • About Sequencing IE6
  • Using the Plug-in Path of the Sequencing Wizard
  • Sequencing Lab Instructions

User Personalization Settings

  • Introduction
  • About Where Apps Store Data
  • About Exclusions and App-V Template Files
  • Lab Part 1: Sequencing AppVPersonalization (Initial Attempt)
  • Lab Part 2: Sequencing AppVPersonalization (Final Attempt)
  • Lab part 3: Testing the Package at a Client as an Administrator
  • Lab Part 4: Locating Registry Data associated with this package at the Client
  • Lab Part 5: Locating File Data associated with this package at the Client

Protected Services

  • Lab Introduction
  • On Capturing Windows Services
  • On Service Accounts
  • On Permissions of a Windows Service
  • On the “SC” Command
  • On Detecting a Service DACL issue with App-V
  • On What to Do About It
  • On Google Chrome Enterprise

Description

Big Hat Group Inc. and TMurgent Technologies have been delivering one of the original App-V Master Classes on the market known through the GridMasterTraining.com brand. Tim Mangan and Kevin Kaminski both App-V MVPs are both the content creators and the instructors of this class and have kept the courseware current to include the most recent App-V release. With over 600 pages of courseware material we strive to make this course the definitive standard for App-V training. Below is a very brief summary of the content we deliver over the full five day course.

GridMasterTraining.com

Microsoft Application Virtualization 4.6 SP1

The course is $3000 per student but group discounts and private classes can be arranged. We do support distance learning over the Internet providing that the student has a sufficient internet conntection, and a LiveMeeting compatible headset. To enroll email kevin.kaminski@bighatgroup.com for more information.

Five Day Course Outline
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
App-V Architecture Build Environment Sequencing Lab Advanced Sequencing Best Practices
Planning and Preparation Sequencing Introduction Sequencing Lab Sequencing Lab Sequencing Lab

Course Outline

Topics for Day 1

  • App-V Fundamentals
  • Design Requirements and Planning
  • Installation and Configuration
  • Management Server Installation
  • Configuring the Console
  • Client Installation

Topics for Day 2

  • Sequencer Installation
  • Sequencing Standards
  • What can’t be sequenced
  • Basic Sequencing
  • Publishing a Sequence
  • Sequencing Internet Explorer
  • Sequencing Office
  • Dynamic Suite Composition

Topics for Day 3

  • Upgrade Techniques (Introduction)
  • Making an OSD Upgrade
  • Making an Active Upgrade
  • Package Branching
  • Sequence Troubleshooting

Topics for Day 4

  • Making a Hybrid Sequence
  • Advanced Sequencer Options
  • Advanced OSD Settings
  • Microsoft Application Virtualization Branch Configuration / Enterprise Design
  • System Center Configuration Manager Integration

Topics for Day 5

  • Operational Practices
  • Practices for the Helpdesk
  • Administrative Best Practices
  • Automating App-V Management
  • Scripting App-V Management
  • Bring Your Problems to Class
AVAILABLE COURSES

App-V 5 Masters Class (half days)

App-V 5 Masters Class Ten Half Day Online Delivery

App-V 5.1 Masters Class (full days)

App-V 5.1 Masters Class Five Full Day Online Delivery (February 2016)

Call Now

403-800-8728

Email Us

sales@bighatgroup.com