NetBoot or NetInstall for imaging Macs

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NetBoot or NetInstall for imaging Macs

I am looking to create a the best way to setup new Macs when I get them. As new Macs will be 10.6 my image will be 10.6, but will need to also have an image of 10.5. I see NetRestore and NetInstall what is the difference and what option is best to use? Do ether have the option to do what was called in 10.5 Archive and Install?

Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Oct 14, 2009 3:04 PM

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Answer 1

Oct 14, 2009 4:11 PM in response to Jade Curtis

Net Install is a special case of Net Boot. The images are set up in a similar way. You can have multiple images set up for different groups of machines. The key is that you build an image on a machine that is just like the other members of that group, then Package it up for download/Install.

This complex issue is treated in great detail in the 105-page manual which can be downloaded with this link:

Download: System Imaging and Software Update for Mac OS X Server v10.5

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Answer 2

Oct 14, 2009 6:23 PM in response to Jade Curtis

DeployStudio is an excellent alternative to the built in Apple tools.

You can check out the DeployStudio manuals at www.deploystudio.com and download DeployStudio for free as well.
http://www.wazmac.com/serversnetwork/desktop_maintenance/notesdeploystudio.htm
is a good tutorial for setting it up as well.

I've not used the 10.6 Server Netboot/Netinstall tools, but i8m my experience, DeployStudio is better than the 10.3, 10.4, and 10.5 Netinstall tools.

Jeff

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