If you're looking to improve your PC imaging strategy and aren't sure where to start, the first thing to understand is that as IT professionals, we often prefer clear-cut answers. We like definitive instructions: click this box, select that option, and it works. However, PC imaging is rarely so straightforward. What works perfectly for one environment might lead to headaches in another. As a KACE Sales Engineer and specialist in the KACE Systems Deployment Appliance (SDA), I’ve seen a wide variety of imaging methodologies succeed or fail based on unique environmental factors. This guide isn’t about prescribing exactly what you must do, but rather about helping you think through the critical elements of a successful imaging strategy.
Why Choose System Images?
The KACE SDA supports both scripted installations and traditional system images (gold master images). While both approaches have their place, I generally favor system images for production environments due to their efficiency and consistency. Let’s dive into the essential steps for creating and maintaining effective system images.
Step 1: Start with a Fresh Image
Recycling old images or building from existing devices can carry over bad habits and unnecessary baggage. Starting fresh provides a clean foundation. The KACE SDA uses scripted installations to build systems from scratch, which I highly recommend. Personally, I prefer using VMware, but Hyper-V or Nutanix work just as well. Virtual environments allow you to snapshot the system before running sysprep using the KACE Image Prep tool. This snapshot simplifies the process of updating the image later.
Step 2: Plan for the Master Image
This step often sparks debate. Some IT professionals prefer a minimal OS-only image, adding applications post-deployment. Others include all necessary applications in the image. Many fall somewhere in between.
Here’s a proven approach:
1. Patch the OS: Ensure the operating system is as up-to-date as possible.
2. Select Applications: Include applications with complex installations or those required across all devices (e.g., PDF readers or Java). Exclude applications that update frequently, as these can be added during post-installation tasks.
3. Trial and Error: Finding the right mix of applications and configurations may take some experimentation.
Step 3: Sysprep
Once your master image is patched and configured, take a snapshot of the virtual machine if you’re using one. Then, run sysprep to generalize the image. I recommend using sysprep for domain join functions, as it’s reliable and eliminates the need for script editing. The KACE Image Prep tool can generate the sysprep answer file, making the process even smoother. After sysprep, capture the sealed image by booting into the KACE SDA server. Set the BIOS to network boot first to simplify the capture process.
Step 4: Maintain Drivers
Driver management is critical. Use the KACE Driver Feed for popular models from Dell, HP, or Lenovo. The Driver Feed Builder tool can help harvest drivers for other models. Keeping drivers up-to-date ensures smoother deployments.
Step 5: Manage Post-Installation Tasks
Your post-installation strategy depends on how much you included in your master image. Applications that are easy to script or frequently updated are ideal candidates for post-installation tasks. This approach makes it easier to maintain and update applications without having to revise the entire image.
With KACE SDA, post-installation tasks are simple to manage—just drag and drop them into deployments. I typically keep the core image as a baseline and use the duplicate function to create new deployments. From there, I add the necessary applications and scripts, keeping the core image untouched.
Conclusion
While there are countless considerations for building an effective imaging strategy, these foundational principles apply across most environments. By starting fresh, planning your master image thoughtfully, leveraging sysprep, maintaining drivers, and managing post-installation tasks wisely, you can streamline your imaging process and get devices up and running quickly. If you are interesting in a no cost trial click here.
Happy imaging!