Creating a Linux deployment server

[JMBates]

Hello all,

 

I have been tasked to create a deployment server for one of our feeder schools and their hardware is old to say the least so I thought it would be wise to create a deployment server for them using Fedora. Has anyone managed to setup a Linux Deployment Server capable of deploying Windows on a mass scale? I haven't really sat down and dabbled with Linux on the administrating side of things so any pointers or tips would be much appreciated. I'm under the impression that I could set up Fedora, or an equivalent Linux distro with Clonezilla and it would work, is my assumption correct?

 

Thanks.

[FN-GM]

Have a look at FOG its a linux distro made for the job.

[jamesreedersmith]

Do they have a windows server - look at MDT/WDS etc.

[localzuk]

I agree with FN-GM - use FOG. It takes minutes to set up, and is simple to administer. It isn't a distro though, it is a piece of software to install atop Linux. We have it running on Debian here.

[FN-GM]

It isn't a distro though, it is a piece of software to install atop Linux. We have it running on Debian here.

 

oops sorry i thought it was, i have never used it myself

[JMBates]

Do they have a windows server - look at MDT/WDS etc.

 

I've been told they have a server which is going to be ridiculously slow and will have more roles and services than it is capable of. The better option would be to create a Linux box.

[JMBates]

Have a look at FOG its a linux distro made for the job.

 

I'll definitely look into that. I've been recommended Clonezilla Live also.

 

Thanks for the replies!

[localzuk]

Clonezilla is useful for a more 'unstructured' imaging system - I use it here for imaging our Macs and EEEPCs as I've been unable to get FOG to accept them (different partition types). FOG works great for a nice centralised control panel with minimal input when you need to image a machine.

[mats]

+1 for fog.

 

Requisition an old desktop, it needn't be a high spec as long as it has a big disc and as fast a nic as your switch supports. Recent versions of Ubuntu work as an OS, long term support (LTS) for preference, server or desktop version up to you.

[cpjitservices]

+1 for FOG, we have it running on top of a CentOS Linux server, works like a charm. It's alot quicker and pushing out images than the WDS server and the images are alot smaller also.

[CyberNerd]

another +1 for FOG on Centos.

We also use samba for deploying group policy msi files after the images are installed.

[JMBates]

And to clarify, FOG and other suggestions can push out Windows images?

[FN-GM]

And to clarify, FOG and other suggestions can push out Windows images?

 

FOG can.

[JMBates]

FOG can.

 

I shall definitely look into FOG then. Thank you for all your help

[cpjitservices]

I push all of our images via FOG, be it Linux or Windows.