Any changes made during the current and future sessions will be lost after a reboot. Once setup, it 'freezes' the system at its current state. This method carries with it many possible problems, but is suitable for mass deployment over a network.ĭeepFreeze, by Faronics, is third party software that is installed onto the client system. This causes downtime the initial install created downtime and each reinstall carries with it more downtime, plus the time used to report the problem to the administrator in the first place. This may require a full client reinstall. Over time however, the client machines can drift from this installed state, either by changing preferences, removing files, system crashes, etc. Any updates are tested offline before passing them on to the client, and the software and system can then be managed and controlled centrally by the administrator. These are great methods it means that after each reinstall, the machines are setup identically and in a known stable working state. This imaging can be achieved by using Apple's NetInstall, or Bombich's NetRestore, or Casper by JAMF. Then each time an updated system is ready, it can be deployed in the same manner to the machines again. Using Network Install, machines are imaged over the network via a network image distributed from a server. Frequently used methods of achieving mass deployment

In this article, we will look at the often-overlooked Mac mass deployment system tool called NetBooting. This is nothing new to the computer market and similar systems are carried out on Windows, Unix, Linux, Sun and Novell networks. The most effective way to achieve this is through mass client deployment this means each machine is setup identically and all updates are thoroughly tested offline before being deployed to the clients. The network system administrator needs to be able to make improvements and upgrades, but if they go wrong, he needs to be able to revert to a previous working state as soon as possible. The client needs to be able to turn their computer on and for it to be in the same state every time with limited or no downtime. Clients require more and more from their computer and its associated network, and demand instant technical support. This reduces stress and pressure on the administration team and keeps their users happy. Every system administrator wishes to lower the amount of downtime on the network. Thus, the network team needs to be able to optimize their time as much as possible. The larger the network grows the less support time is available for each machine. In this modern era of high technical and support costs, it is very important to be able to reduce the support required at the client side. Educational Institution and Student Discounts.

Apple netboot servers