Apple Servers

Mac OS X Server includes system imaging tools that streamline the support of Macintosh clients and reduce system administration costs. You can use NetBoot to host a standard operating system and application configuration on all of the desktop systems. And Network Install is an ideal solution for installing software on Mac OS X desktop and portable systems.

Starting up with NetBoot

The NetBoot service in Mac OS X Server enables multiple Mac systems to boot from a single server-based disk image, instead of from their internal hard drive. This allows you to create a standard configuration and use it on all of the desktop systems in a department or classroom — or host multiple images customized for different workgroups. You can even create server configurations and run all of your servers from one image. Updating the disk image on the NetBoot server updates all of these systems automatically the next time they restart. In addition, you can copy a directory server configuration to all clients using the same system image. For security-conscious organizations, NetBoot permits Mac computers to boot “disklessly” — without needing to read from or write to the computer’s local drive.

Software Installations with Network Install

Designed for administrators who manage operating system installations and software updates for their organizations, this powerful tool performs automated software installations — whether it’s a new version of the operating system, a specific suite of applications for a workgroup, or both — saving time and eliminating the expense of distributing software on CD or DVD.

Using the innovative technology that Apple pioneered with NetBoot, Network Install enables client systems on your network to automatically discover a server-based disk image and install its contents on their hard drive. Network Install can run completely unattended, providing a streamlined installation and upgrade experience for your users. You may also choose to specify certain client actions before or after the installation of a software package or system image. Once the installation process is complete, client systems no longer need to be connected to the network, making Network Install an excellent solution for managing mobile computers.

System Image Utility

The new System Image Utility allows you to create a NetBoot or Network Install disk image simply by cloning a local volume — no configuration required. You can store disk images on a remote server and specify an NFS or HTTP indirect path to the images, so clients can access them as if they were stored locally. This gives you the opportunity to build a system, complete with user preferences, and to test and refine it locally before deploying it across the entire network. In addition, the new System Image Utility allows you to create block-copy Network Install disk images. Block-copy images enable installations up to five times faster than package-install images. You can also use block-copy images to burn discs for installing software on client and server systems.