Using imaging software

[exilera]

The scenario is this:

You have a server, say win 2k3, and 20 workstations with identical components. You want to make an image for the workstations and install the image on all 20 PCs. Eventually you'll want to update the image, because the PCs will be updated with additional software occasionally.

What's the best way to image all of the systems, and what's the best way to update the image? Would CDs be best, or should the image be stored on the server (seems ideal). Keep in mind that the new workstations will have a blank HD. Would it be possible to push an image to such a workstation if going that route?

What software would be best? If using Norton Ghost for example, would I need the enterprise edition, or would the home edition suffice?

 

[nweaver]

I use Altiris for this type of situation. You can also use the rapidinstall utility to roll patches into a single executable file that gets pushed out silently to all machines. In my (very) limted experience, I am not that pleased with Norton Ghost Enterprise.