Ghost question

[sunspore]

Hello,

I was wondering if someone could explain what Ghost is, what situations it is used in, and how to do it. It seems like something I would like to use for backups. Thanks.

Sunspore

 

[Dillinger99]

Ghost is an application used to clone a PC's image for deployment to other PCs. It can also be used to back up a system. In the case of Windows 2000 and XP Pro where PCs will be on a network, the image has to be sysprepped so that the SIDS are different for each workstation.
Typically, a PC is set up with the appropriate software and settings, then it is sysprepped. Then Ghost (or another application such as Powerquest's DriveImage) is used to make an image of the PC, then to regurgitate that image onto a new PC (or drive). It's quite useful in an environment where you have to deploy many PCs with the same software/settings. It's also useful for backing up a single PC to another internal hard drive.

 

[sunspore]

thanks Dillinger,

From a tech standpoint, would ghosting be an advisable way to go if you were working on someone's system and wanted to back it up for failsafe purposes, or is there another better method for that?

 

[Dillinger99]

It's the method I use to back up PCs before working on them. Additionally, I know with PowerQuest you can extract single files from the backup image if need be. Ghost probably has something similar, but I've not used that.

 

[sunspore]

Thanks, I appreciate your help. I'm training myself to be a tech, so if you know of any really good resources for learning hands-on techniques, I'd be psyched to hear about them. I've got a lot of book knowledge, passed the A+, etc. Just need some hands on stuff, and guidance.

 

[Dillinger99]

You'll be fine. Backing up the system is a good way to start--then you can get in there and try a few different things without fear that you're going to mess something up beyond repair. I've found the best way to learn is just to explore and listen to others. As long as you have a backup PC and a high speed internet connection, you should be okay.