Forums » Off-topic discussion » Anyone have a suggestion for software to make 30 PCs the same?
  • internetautomart

    Aug. 14, 2011 8:58 p.m. internetautomart SuperDork

    Long story short:
    I have approx 30 PCs of assorted configurations that I need to make identical softwarewise and do this every year. It is for a school so big buck options are really not likely.

    Anyone know of a program that I can use to install XP, office 2010, and a few other programs all at one shot rather than going from PC to PC and spending weeks doing it.
    BTW there is no internet access on any of these PCs, but they are on an internal network with a "server" on it.

  • Grtechguy

    Aug. 14, 2011 9:06 p.m. Grtechguy SuperDork

    clonezilla... image from the server (or usb, cd, etc)

    100% free and widely supported

    www.clonezilla.org

    But, Windows server? use GPO to create and deploy applications through the network

    Those who don't get it, don't get, that they don't get it

  • internetautomart

    Aug. 14, 2011 9:26 p.m. internetautomart SuperDork

    yes it's an old windows server, running some version of windows server. I think win2k server, but not 100% sure

    my blog with coupon codes: http://internetautosupply.com/blog/

  • Grtechguy

    Aug. 14, 2011 9:29 p.m. Grtechguy SuperDork

    I would go with clonezilla for ease I suppose. create a "master image" with all the software & drivers needed for all machines. then using clonezilla, create the IMG file and restore to the rest of the machines. 10 minutes max per client.

    All you'll have to do after running the image, is rename the PC and join to the network.

    Those who don't get it, don't get, that they don't get it

  • scardeal

    Aug. 15, 2011 8:01 a.m. scardeal HalfDork

    Except that they're different hardware configs... that's a nasty little monkeywrench to throw into it.

  • Grtechguy

    Aug. 15, 2011 10:28 a.m. Grtechguy SuperDork

    scardeal wrote: Except that they're different hardware configs... that's a nasty little monkeywrench to throw into it.

    not at all.. you can inject drivers with clonezilla.

    Those who don't get it, don't get, that they don't get it

  • GameboyRMH

    Aug. 15, 2011 10:40 a.m. GameboyRMH SuperDork

    The only problem I see with the Clonezilla approach is licensing. How does that work?

    There's no such thing as "too light." There's "tires too skinny," "not enough downforce" and "underdamped."

  • Grtechguy

    Aug. 15, 2011 12:08 p.m. Grtechguy SuperDork

    it's 100% open source under the GPL code:

    http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html

    meaning, it can not be sold.

    Those who don't get it, don't get, that they don't get it

  • GameboyRMH

    Aug. 15, 2011 12:09 p.m. GameboyRMH SuperDork

    No I mean the Windows licensing. I guess this could work with VLKs?

    There's no such thing as "too light." There's "tires too skinny," "not enough downforce" and "underdamped."

  • Grtechguy

    Aug. 15, 2011 12:17 p.m. Grtechguy SuperDork

    GameboyRMH wrote: No I mean the Windows licensing. I guess this could work with VLKs?

    As long as you own the licenses(Oem tags, office keys), it should not be an issue. You can always change the product keys on the machine at a later date.

    Those who don't get it, don't get, that they don't get it

  • turboswede

    Aug. 15, 2011 3:35 p.m. turboswede SuperDork

    Microsoft Deployment Toolkit. Its free from Microsoft and there is a lot of information on how to use it available.

    If you use Win7 or Vista, Operating Systems are installed fresh each time, as are patches and the software packages you need to install. This allows you to keep it up to date on the fly, including drivers.

    XP uses a captured XP install, but otherwise it works the same with the software.

    "I can pretty much guarantee that when you were in both lanes sideways you didn't have your turn signal on." - engineerd

  • EricM

    Aug. 15, 2011 4:12 p.m. EricM SuperDork

    Clonezilla works great (I sue it) but each system needs to be nearly identical hardware wise. Are your PCs the "same" hardware? (or at least very close?)

    Otherwise I would make the servers a boot server and have the PCs go ask it for the system load and then use net-install for all the applications. Or something.

  • EricM

    Aug. 15, 2011 4:13 p.m. EricM SuperDork

    turboswede wrote: Microsoft Deployment Toolkit. Its free from Microsoft and there is a lot of information on how to use it available. If you use Win7 or Vista, Operating Systems are installed fresh each time, as are patches and the software packages you need to install. This allows you to keep it up to date on the fly, including drivers. XP uses a captured XP install, but otherwise it works the same with the software.

    +1 on this too

  • Aug. 15, 2011 10:21 p.m. 93gsxturbo HalfDork

    http://www.bigbangllc.com/

    These guys. Its their whole business.

    Call and ask for Zach and tell him Arnie sent you. He will hook you up. I was just at his house tonight grillin and chillin.

  • internetautomart

    Aug. 16, 2011 9:20 a.m. internetautomart SuperDork

    93gsxturbo wrote: http://www.bigbangllc.com/ These guys. Its their whole business. Call and ask for Zach and tell him Arnie sent you. He will hook you up. I was just at his house tonight grillin and chillin.

    looking at their site it looks promising. We'll download the trial and see how well it works. Then if it works well, we'll give your buddy a call,

    my blog with coupon codes: http://internetautosupply.com/blog/

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