In response to your questions.
What does "Image" do, and where did it come from?
An image is the term I have used to describe the process of pre-configuring
an OS the way I want with all apps and utils installed, then creating a file
that can be deployed to other PCs for a rapid rollout of a new OS. I use
Power Quest's "Drive Image" to complete this process, but others prefer to
use Ghost.
What are you using to repackage these installs?
"SMS Installer" is the primary utility we use to repackage installs, but
there are other utilities out there that do have greater functionality for
the cost. SMS Installer is a utility that comes with SMS Server. I will list
some links below for other products similar to SMS Installer.
What does this software do?
These types of software can repackage installations into a customizable EXE
or MSI. The newly created file (exe or msi) when ran will then perform task
specific to your environment and can be told to be unattended and silent if
desired. Basically, you go thru a series of steps:
1. Install a repackaging utility.
2. Take a snapshot of the system
3. Install the software that you want to repackage
4. Take a difference snapshot
5. The repackaging utility will compare the two snapshots and generate a
script that comprises of all the changes made to the system during step 3
6. you modify the script per your needs
7. compile the script into an EXE or MSI
http://www.wise.com/filelib/WPSGrid_Mktg.pdf
http://www.mindvision.com/index2.html
http://www.installshield.com/products/
There are cases in which we can't repackage the software using this method.
In every instance where we couldn't repackage the software using this
method, we would use a vendor provided utility to create a silent install
(for example IEAK for Internet Explorer).
Considering the training, software and man hours involved this turns into a
decent sized project for most companies. But once done successfully this
helps reduce the TCO for the systems, thus making this project self selling
to most managers.
-----Original Message-----
From: Adam Smith [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2002 9:45 PM
To: NT 2000 Discussions
Subject: RE: Batch woes
> Sounds like you are doing exactly what we have done and
> implemented in our environment.
Quite Simply, I would like to get a faster, quicker environment! Due to
the nature of our business, our programmers are often installing and
deinstalling various applications or software packages as required
during their day-to-day run. I'd like them to be able to simply select
from a range of these from a webpage, and have them install
automatically.
It saves them having to search for the right tool or app, and saves them
time in the long run.
> I believe we also installed an ActiveX
> component on the client "Image" before deployed the systems.
What does "Image" do, and where did it come from?
> We setup all the installations to be silent and unattended.
> This took/takes quite a bit of work. We essentially repackage
> almost every installation into custom created EXEs that if
> ran with /s will not require any input from interactive user.
> We have found many advantages to using this system.
What are you using to repackage these installs?
The I suppose the ultimate deployment is to install, customize and
configure a program locally, repackage it in its current state, and then
send that package out to clients where it's just installed in the
same-state.
What software does this?
It sounds interesting so far, thanks for the insight you've already
offered!
--
Adam Smith
Information Technology Officer
SAGE Automation Ltd
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.sageautomation.com
Phone : (08) 8276 0703
Fax : (08) 8276 0799
Mobile: 0414 895 273
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