Drive Image over the network

[azev]

What would be the easiest software to use ?? Norton Ghost or power quest deploy center ??
I have 4 different computer that I need to image and I need a software that will allow me to choose which image to use. Does multicast work on every switched network? or the switch has to be multicast capable ?

Thanks

 

[Cooky]

I haven't had much experience with Norton Ghost but I've used PowerQuest's DeployCenter (used to be Drive Image Pro I think) to restore image over network and it was a smooth process.
Not sure if multicast works on every switched network...depends on how you configure them I guess.

 

[azev]

How hard is it to setup powerquest deploy center ??
I am planning to reinstall all of our laptops (40 of them) every years when all our consultant come in for corporate meeting. The problem is not all 40 of them are exactly the same hardware. Some use different video card, different model, etc. Currently I have about 5 different image disc to restore to default company setup. Can deploy center differentiate which image goes to what computer ??

Thanks

 

[reicherb]

Originally posted by: azev
Does multicast work on every switched network? or the switch has to be multicast capable ?

Thanks

I'ts not that it won't work, it's that a switch that is not multicast enabled, it will handle multicast traffic just like a hub would and forward the packets to all ports.

 

[Cooky]

I wasn't the one that set up the setver for power quest (there's a proprietary name for it but I forgot, something like power cast) so I can't tell you if it's easy but I assume it shouldn't be too hard 'cause I've heard some positive feedback about the product.

I don't think DeployCenter can tell which image should go to which machine; you have to make sure to choose the right image. Worst scenario: machine wouldn't boot. No big deal. Kinda a pain for 40 laptops though...

 

[azev]

I think there is a work around the problem. I can just setup the same exact type of computer to deploy one image, wait till it finishes and continue to the other types of hardware.

 

[dbwillis]

We use Ghost here, Im not sure how they have it setup, but it does a PCI scan and it determines the additional drivers to install.
It works on Compaq 350mhz, 450mhz, 550mhz, 600mhz, 733mhz, 1ghz, EVO laptops and EVO desktops and Gateway laptops.

Kinda nice in how it works

 

[SaigonK]

Check the FAQS here for more info on sysprep and ghost to make one universal image for your systems.