Desktop Management

3.2 Remote System Installation

Remote System Installation allows you to start and set up your system using the software and configuration information located on a network server by initiating the Preboot Execution Environment (PXE). The Remote System Installation feature is usually used as a system setup and configuration tool, and can be used for the following tasks:

Formatting a hard drive.

Deploying a software image on one or more new PCs.

Remotely updating the system BIOS in flash ROM. See Section 3.4.1, “Remote ROM Flash.”

Configuring the system BIOS settings.

To initiate Remote System Installation, press F12 when the F12 = Network Service Boot message appears in the lower-right corner of the HP logo screen. Follow the instructions on the screen to continue the process. The default boot order is a BIOS configuration setting that can be changed to always attempt to PXE boot.

3.3Software Updating and Management

HP provides several tools for managing and updating software on desktops and workstations—HP Client Manager Software, Altiris Client Management Solutions, System Software Manager; Proactive Change Notification; and Subscriber's Choice.

3.3.1 HP Client Manager Software

HP Client Manager Software (HP CMS) assists HP customers in managing the hardware aspects of their client computers with features that include:

Detailed views of hardware inventory for asset management

PC health check monitoring and diagnostics

Proactive notification of changes in your hardware environment

Web-accessible reporting of business critical details such as machines with thermal warnings, memory alerts, and more

Remote updating of system software such as device drivers and ROM BIOS

Remote changing of boot order

For more information on the HP Client Manager, visit

http://h18000.www1.hp.com/im/client_mgr.html.

3.3.2 Altiris Client Management Solutions

HP and Altiris have partnered to provide comprehensive, tightly integrated systems management solutions to reduce the cost of owning HP client PCs. HP Client Manager Software is the foundation for additional Altiris Client Management Solutions that address:

Inventory and Asset Management

SW license compliance

PC tracking and reporting

Lease contract, fixing asset tracking

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Service Reference Guide, dc5000