Desktop Maintenance

While the notes elsewhere in these pages refer to using Disk Utility and DeployStudio for re-imaging Macintosh computers, and Macrium Reflect for re-imaging Windows computers, there are many other software applications (both commercial and open source) that may be useful in managing computers in your environment. Some of these are listed below....

Blast Image Config

Re-image and maintain installations on networked Macs.

Casper

Easily deploy packages to networked Macs.

Deep Freeze

Preserve a workstation's software configuration for instant restoration after a restart. Uses a local hidden partition to maintain the software installation on individual workstations without the need for "server policies", etc.

DeployStudio

Re-image and maintain installations on stand-alone and networked Macs. (See Quickstart notes).

IceBerg

An Integrated Packaging Environment (IPE) that allows you to create installer packages conforming to the Mac OS X specifications.

KeyServer

Regulates the use of licensed software on multiple computers on a network.

netOctopus

Remote management and software distribution tool.

NetRestore

Outstanding utility software to create and restore software images on multiple computers. Can be used to create and restore an image directly from one computer to another, locally from an external HD, or across a network from an Mac OS X Server. See step-by-step notes below.

PackageMaker How-to

PackageMaker is the installing solution provided by Apple with its developer tools.

Puppet

CLI tool for loading specific packages from a server when a computer logs in.

Radmind

Incremental restoration software, replacing only changed files, similar to the old OS9 Assimilator. (NetRestore replaces the entire contents of the HD).

RsyncX

Incremental restoration software. RsyncXCD, which provides booting from a CD to restore the local HD from a server, is also available at this site.

WinClone

Create partitions and clone Win XP and Vista for Bootcamp installations on Macs.

 

Altiris

Software management system for distributed corporate installations. (Also some basic options for Mac.)

Deep Freeze

Preserve a workstation's software configuration for instant restoration after a restart. Uses a local hidden partition to maintain the software installation on individual workstations without the need for "server policies", etc.

DriverPacks

These software bundles save you hunting all over the net for drivers for various brands and devices. Can be used with nLite to create a 'universal' installer.

KeyServer

Regulates the use of licensed software on multiple computers on a network.

Macrium Reflect

Disk imaging software. Includes a free version. (See Quickstart notes).

Magic ISO Maker (Free)

CD/DVD image utility that can extract, edit, create and burn ISO files (duplicates of complete CD/DVD discs). Handy for running apps that that must have the disc in the drive to run.

nLite

Windows installation customiser. Slipstream service packs, create unattended installs with your own settings, etc. (Donation). See also Lifehacker how-to.

netOctopus

Remote management and software distribution tool.

Ophcrack

Password recovery and reset tool for Windows. Downloadable iso image.

SteadyState

Microsoft software to preserve your XP or Vista software installation in a lab or multi-user kiosk environment. You can re-boot to return your computer to its previous condition. Free.

Symantec Ghost

A disk duplicator for Windows PCs. Makes an image of your HD for easy replication on similar computers. If a computer has a software problem simply restore the HD with the "ghosted" image.

Timbuktu

Remote management software for Mac OS X designed for WAN or dialup access.

Win Password Reset (ISO - 2.5Mb)

Bootable CD image to reset the admin password.