Desktop Management

3.2 Remote System Installation

Remote System Installation lets you start and set up your system using the software and configuration information located on a network server. This feature is usually used as a system setup and configuration tool, and can be used for the following tasks:

■Deploying a software image on one or more new PCs.

■Formatting a hard drive.

■Installing application software or drivers.

■Updating the operating system, application software, or drivers.

To initiate Remote System Installation, press F12 when the F12=Network Service Boot message appears in the lower-right corner of the HP/Compaq logo screen. Follow the instructions on the screen to continue the process.

3.3Software Updating and Management

HP provides several tools for managing and updating software on desktops and workstations—Altiris eXpress, Altiris PC Transplant Pro, PC Transplant for Compaq, Insight Manager™ LC, System Software Manager, a nd Remote Management Setup Utilities. Using Insight Manager LC, you can also monitor a workgroup of PCs from a central console and remotely update the system software, security settings, flash ROM, or hardware device drivers, for each of the managed PCs individually.

3.3.1 Altiris eXpress

Altiris eXpress allows the system administrator to create and quickly deploy a customized, corporate-standard software image across one or more networked client PCs with an interface as simple to use as Windows Explorer. Altiris eXpress supports Intel’s Wired for Management and Preboot Execution Environment (PXE). Using Altiris eXpress and the Remote System Installation features of the computer, there is no need for the system administrator to visit each new PC individually to deploy the software image.

Altiris eXpress is able to install a disk image containing the operating system, application software, and the Altiris eXpress client, without requiring the use of a separate boot diskette. With Altiris eXpress, the network administrator can:

■Create a new image or edit an existing image, or clone a PC on the network which may have the ideal image.

■Create any number of customized disk images for a variety of workgroups.

■Edit image files, modifying them without having to start from scratch. This is possible because Altiris eXpress stores files in its native format: NTFS, FAT16, or FAT32.

■Establish a “New PC Event,” a script that will run automatically when a new PC is added to the network. The script can, for instance, format the PC hard drive, flash the ROM BIOS, and install a full, standard software image.

■Schedule an event to run on a group of computers.

Altiris eXpress also includes easy-to-use software distribution capabilities. You can use Altiris eXpress to update operating systems and application software from a central console. When used in conjunction with System Software Manager, Altiris eXpress can also update ROM BIOS and device driver software.

 

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Service Reference Guide