The first steps in preparing to install Microsoft Operations Manager (MOM) is to verify the computer chosen to host the installation meets the minimum hardware and software requirements. The MOM Prerequisite Checker in the MOM Setup should be used to verify the hardware and software prerequisites and to create a report, listing those requirements that the installation destination meets or fails to meet. The hardware requirements for installation of MOM components on a single computer include a Pentium-compatible 550MHz dual-processor; a minimum of I GB of RAM (4 GB or higher recommended); 1 GB of available hard drive space (more space might be needed for Reporting); a CD-ROM and a network card. The hardware requirements for installation of MOM components on a multiple server are similar to the requirements of a single machine except for 512 MB of RAM and 5 GB of available hard drive space. There is a specific order by which MOM 2005 should be installed in a multiple server. This order contains seven phases: installation of the MOM 2005 database; installation of the first Management Server; installation of any additional Management Servers; discovering computers and deploying agents for first Management Server; discovering computers and deploying agents for additional Management Servers; installation of System Center Reporting; and finally importing Management Packs. The last part of this chapter looks at installing and deploying MOM 2005 in advanced environments. These environments would include clustered servers, multiple domains, beyond firewalls, and installations using the command line.