Apple Certifications

Is Your IT Team Certified?

Certifications are available for most Apple technologies and skill levels from business workers to IT professionals, developers, technology trainers, and system architects.

Performance Under Pressure

Is Your Jamf Pro Server Ready?

Has your Jamf Pro server gone though many different Jamf Pro Administrators? Do you have a complete understanding of exactly how your Jamf Pro sever is configured? Let HCS preform a health check on your Jamf Pro Server.

Essential Utilities for Apple IT Administrators

Managing Apple technology in an enterprise or educational environment requires the right tools to ensure efficiency, security, and seamless user experiences. Our suite of IT utilities is designed to simplify device deployment, streamline management, and enhance security for macOS and iOS devices.

Establish your first Mac deployment

HCS Technology Group will help you implement a proof of concept (POC) efficiently and aligned with best practices for easily deploying Mac in your organization.

Course Description 


Students will learn both OS X Yosemite as a directory service client, and OS X Server for Yosemite as a directory server. Cross platform solutions are emphasized in both instances. In working with OS X Yosemite, students learn how to use network accounts and Kerberos authentication with any common directory service, such as Apple’s Open Directory, Microsoft’s Active Directory, or an industry-standard LDAP Server. Students learn both basic and advanced options via the user interface and command line including scripting options to facilitate easier integration. 

In working with OS X Server for Mavericks, students learn how to run a robust, scalable directory system using Apple's Open Directory service.

Students will learn about the core elements of digital certificates, practical digital certificate usage and the OS X Server for Yosemite certificate authority.

Students will learn about iOS Deployment using OS X Server for Yosemite a platform to configure, secure and manage iOS devices. The class covers preparing iOS devices for supervision using Apple Configurator and OS X Server for Mavericks in the creation and distribution of e-mail, address book, calendar, document content and Apps.

Students will learn trusted deployment solutions for OS X Yosemite. Deploying software, ranging from the installation of individual files to the deployment of complete system images to multiple computers. Students then apply what they’ve learned to create a full deployment plan that includes testing, hardware and software deployment, auditing, and maintenance. 

The course also teaches students how to create a tiered Software Update server solution, as well as about third-party solutions to supplement tools provided by Apple. Students get hands-on experience in using tools such as Remote Desktop, Disk Utility, PackageMaker, Property List Editor, DeployStudio, WinClone, Munki, FileWave Lightning and System Image Utility and discuss the pros and cons of each for different deployment situations.

This course is a combination of lecture and hands-on case study exercises that provide practical, real-world experience.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for system administrators and IT professionals who need to gain specific knowledge about directory services, security and deployment of iOS 7 and OS X Yosemite. Learn how to effectively configure OS X Mavericks computers to access directory services, and how to effectively configure OS X Server for Yosemite to provide and supplement directory services in a mixed-platform environment. This course is designed for system administrators and IT professionals who need to deploy large numbers of iOS and OS X Yosemite devices in an enterprise or educational environment

Prerequisites 
Students should have the following prerequisite knowledge prior to attending the course:


  • Basic troubleshooting experience or OS X Yosemite 101
  • Basic OS X Server for Mavericks experience or OS X Yosemite 201

Upon Completion Of This Course, You Should Be Able To: 


  • Understand the Local Directory Services on OS X Yosemite and OS X Server for Yosemite 

  • Bind your OS X Yosemite and OS X Server for Yosemite to Active Directory

  • Configure OS X Yosemite to work with third party LDAP services

  • Understand and use an Open Directory Master and Replica configuration

  • Manage authentication and authorization for local and network users
  • De-mystify the certificate process
Understand the elements of a certificate
  • 
Know how to obtain, use, and store certificates

  • Understand the two basic mass deployment models

  • Understand the difference between device backup and device sync and the associated operating system layers in iOS
  • 
Know what can and cannot be managed
  • Know how to use the Profile Manager 3 on OS X Server for Yosemite
  • Understand primary deployment concepts
Discuss OS X Yosemite file deployment considerations
  • Understand OS X Yosemite installation technology

  • Install Package Features and Deployment
Explain Client Management Profile Manager 3
  • Understand system image creation
Discuss System Customization
  • Understand System Image deployment
Understand system maintenance concepts

Course Outline

Lesson 1

  • Directory Services Overview 
History of Directory Services
  • Identify terminology
  • Discuss tools and processes
  • Understand Logs and Troubleshooting Overview

Lesson 2

  • Local Directory Services 
Overview and topology of local directories, the differences between OS X Yosemite Client and OS X Server for Yosemite
  • Data store, data formats, data store locations
  • Authentication; methods; encryptions; shadow hash files
  • OS X Yosemite Client Configuration

Lesson 3

  • Shared Directory Services 
LDAP
  • RFC2307
  • Configuring OS X Server for Mavericks to connect to existing Open Directory and Active Directory servers
  • Configuring services to use Open Directory or Active Directory accounts
  • Binding: Trusted vs. Untrust
  • Encrypting via SSL
  • Authentication
  • Troubleshooting; Active Directory
  • Authenticating to AD
  • Client configuration; Dual Directory.

Lesson 4

  • Replication and Archiving 
Replication Overview
  • The Replication Process - slapconfig and slapd
  • Configuring MultiMaster
  • Locales.

Lesson 5

  • Symmetric and Asymmetric Encryption 
Understand and apply symmetric encryption
  • Understand the weaknesses of symmetric encryption
  • Understand and apply asymmetric encryption
  • Understand the weaknesses of asymmetric encryption.

Lesson 6

  • Certificates and X.509 PKI 
Identify the elements of a certificate
  • Generate an RSA private key
  • Create and validate a self-signed certificate; Import and trust a self-signed root certificate. 


Lesson 7

  • Server Certificates 
Generate a CSR
  • Obtain a signed certificate from a CA
  • Validate a certificate from a CA
  • Import a certificate into OS X Yosemite
  • Export a certificate from OS X Yosemite
  • Understand the weaknesses of the X.509 CA system.



Lesson 8

  • S/MIME Certificates 
Obtain an S/MIME certificate
  • Export and back up an S/MIME certificate
  • Install an S/MIME certificate on iOS
  • Validate a signed message.

Lesson 9

  • Using Apple Configurator
  • Create A Configuration Profile
  • Export and Inspect the Configuration Profile
  • Apply the Configuration Profile
  • Configuring Email, Calendar and Address Book
  • Create, Distribute, Install a Configuration Profile to Securely Connect to IMAP, CalDAV and CardDAV
  • Enable trust for secure services
  • Deploying Apps
  • Deploying Apps via Apple Configurator
  • Supervising Devices with Apple Configurator
  • Set Apple Configurator Preferences
  • Prepare Device for Supervision
  • Configure Supervision Settings
  • Create Users for device assignment
  • Load Documents
  • Check Out and Assign Devices
  • Check In and Assigned Devices
  • Deploying Paid Apps with Apple Configurator
  • Supervision Settings


Lesson 10

  • Understanding Profile Manager 3 Functionality to deploy configuration profiles for iOS 7
  • Configuring Profiles using Profile Manager
  • Enrolling Devices with Apple Configurator
  • Prepare iOS Device for enrollment in MDM
  • Enroll iOS Device in MDM
  • Lock your iOS Device via MDM
  • Remote wipe your iOS Device via MDM
  • Apple Configurator: Backing up and restoring data


Lesson 11

  • Deployment Planning and Concepts
  • Planning hardware deployment logistics
  • Planning usage management. 


Lesson 12

  • Deploying Individual Items, Containers, Scripting and Packaging 
OS X file deployment considerations
  • Using archive files for deployment
  • Using ARD 3 to deploy items
  • Using disk images for deployment
  • plist editing
  • Understanding OS X installation technology
  • Creating installation packages
  • Using installation package actions, scripting, and snapshots
  • Deploying and maintaining installation packages
  • Third-party installation tools.

Lesson 13

  • Understanding Profile Manager 3 Functionality to deploy configuration profiles for OS X Yosemite


Lesson 14

  • Understanding system image creation
  • Integrating systems with configuration profiles
  • Customizing a system prior to imaging
  • Preparing a system for image creation
  • Creating a cloned system image with Disk Utility
  • Using System Image Utility to create Network Install and NetRestore images. 


Lesson 15

  • Understanding System Image deployment
  • Understanding the NetInstall service
  • Configuring the NetInstall service
  • Configuring clients to boot with a network disk image
  • Monitoring and troubleshooting the NetInstall service
  • Deploying system images with NetRestore
  • Configuring ASR network multicast
  • Deploying systems with NetInstall
  • Using System Image Utility workflow actions
  • MDM and Configuration Profiles, and post-imaging considerations
  • Install and Configure DeployStudio Server 
  • Creating Workflows and Editing Workflows
  • Automating Workflows with Computer Groups
  • Creating and Deploying Windows Dual Boot Images
  • Configuring Workflow Permissions
  • Self Service
  • Munki Managed Software Installation


Lesson 16

  • Understanding system maintenance concepts
  • Using Apple tools for system maintenance
  • Using the Apple Software Update Server
  • Using the Apple Caching Server
  • Third-party system maintenance tools.
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How to Configure Jamf Pro SMTP to Use the Microsoft Graph API
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Account-Driven Enrollment Methods with Apple Devices Using Cloudflare
Renew your SCIM Token for Directory Sync between Apple Business Manager and Microsoft Entra ID
How to Deploy and Configure Jamf Setup Manager
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HCS Technology Group

Over 35 years of experience helping you achieve your service objectives with Apple devices and technology.

Innovative IT Solutions

Our capabilities and solutions include:

Strategy and Analytics
Technology Architecture
Engineering Services
Pre-emptive Maintenance
Break/Fix Support
Education
Large-Scale Deployments
Hosting
Managed Services

Partners

Mosyle

Mosyle

With Mosyle’s MSP program, HCS Technology Group offers MDM-related services to customers so HCS Technology Group can manage your endpoints and ensure your Apple devices are running smoothly. This will facilitate learning and how technology is used in your business, as well as lower your operational expenditure and time.

Jamf

Jamf

As a managed service provider, HCS Technology Group offers strategic value to a subset of the market by identifying, securing and managing your Jamf Pro needs. A partnership with Jamf means bridging the gap between us as a method to help even more organizations succeed with Apple.

Jamf Service Provider3 d61da94b

To help ensure customer success, all sales of Jamf Pro include new customer onboarding services. We understand organizations have different needs and experience. Therefore, we offer a variety of onboarding services with multiple delivery methods and levels of training. Jamf will work with you to determine which option is the most efficient and effective for you and your organization:

  • Our full-service, personalized onboarding offerings are delivered by a Jamf Pro expert at your location.
  • Jamf remote onboarding services provide personalized sessions by a Jamf Pro expert utilizing remote connection tools.
  • For qualified customers in the US and APAC, a self-directed, no-cost onboarding option is also available.

During the personalized Jamf onboarding sessions, a Jamf Pro expert works with you to configure and integrate Jamf Pro seamlessly into your existing environment. Through a hands-on approach, the trainer will familiarize you with Jamf Pro features and configurations, provide workflow recommendations, review support resources available, and introduce you to additional training and certification options. Jamf’s self-directed onboarding is provided through a series of pre-recorded training sessions, combined with interactive tutorials and support staff to assist if needed.

Services

IT Solutions For All Your Needs

Handling every aspect of your computer network, from needs assessment and planning to installation, administration and training.

Business

Whether your business system consists of a single workstation or a comprehensive, high-speed, multi-station network with servers, HCS can help.

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Business

Education

HCS Technology Group provides Apple Professional Services for educational institution for K -12 As well as higher education.

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Education

Consumer

We can help you move forward in the home as new technology emerges and will benefit you by bringing you increased productivity, efficiency, creativity, and fun.

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Consumer

Mobility

If you are considering the deployment of a large number of iPad, iPhone and/or iPod Touch devices, you want to work with experienced Mobile Technical Coordinators like those found at HCS Technology Group.

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