office growth and new computers

[brentnov]

I'm pretty new at this. What do IT pros use to manage all the software and hardware in one company's many computers? Do you build each computer from scratch every time you hire a new employee? I've got a small staff, but it's growing and setting up new computers is becoming way too time consuming. Is there some quick way to get a bare computer loaded with software, networked, and ready for use?

Thanks Much
Brent

 

[edfair]

There are two software products that will help. Browse this forum and you will see other posts regarding them. One is Symantec GHOST.
Best solutionment is to standardize on the hardware and operating system then use the duplication software.
I deal with small companies so my suggestions are biased in that direction.
If you have enough equipment you will be better off to buy site license for your operating system and programs.
Consider hiring a system integrator or staying with one computer supplier so you can ask for a duplicate system at purchase. The worst nightmares are the mixed system integration problems.

Ed Fair
efair@atlnet.com

Any advice I give is my best judgement based on my interpretation of the facts you supply.

Help increase my knowledge by providing some feedback, good or bad, on any advice I have given.

 

[DaveGoTech]

Definately team-up with a respected local reseller. They typically will offer you standard good-quality compatibles (don't get fooled into thinking you can "save" by building it yourself - it's just not worth it) and support and advice when needed.
You need to set-up a process of software identification and standardization to be used within the company. Start with a check list of things to do to configure the PC once you get it, and continually modify it. You'll be an efficient pro in no time.

http://www.GoTechnologiesInc.com

 

[Nostradamus]

One thing many of the larger suppliers tend to do is prepare the harddrives. You buy a computer, the first time you put the power on some questions will appear during boot.
What operating system you want to install. It then installs all drivers etc. you need.
This only works the first time though.

When you want to reinstall the computers, go with Symantec´s Ghost 6.4 which is the latest version. With that you can do an image of your disc with all configuration, installed software, drivers and so on. You can then burn that image-file on a bootable cd-rom. Insert the disc in the new computer and use ghost to make it an exact copy of the first.
Keep in mind that the hardware must (as much as possible) be the same.



Nostradamus

 

[axslinger]

In addition, beware of Ghosting NT Workstation hard drives. You will need a utility to change the Security ID of the new machine, otherwise getting it to work on your network could prove challenging. Also, and I don't know if this would apply to you but many MS products offer a network install option. Initially the application is installed to a file server, then from there on you can install it to the workstations directly from the server. By putting all of the applications in a central location on your server, it will be easier to remember which application need to be installed at each workstation. A text file in the same directory can serve as a reminder. Just some more ideas.


Brian

 

[CitrixEngineer]

For NT, Symantec provide ghostwalker to change the SID of each machine.

I also feel obliged to point out that an implementation of Citrix MetaFrame in medium to large organisations eliminates many of these issues, by delivering applications over the network to any device, including handhelds.

For uniformity of desktop, consistency of application usage, ease of upgrade and mobility, there's no better solution. The client devices merely require an operating system and an ICA client or web browser, such as Internet Explorer.

Although many smaller organisations may be put off by the initial costs, the medium to long term cost of ownership is greatly reduced, since the client hardware does not need to be upgraded and support visits to desks are virtually eliminated.