Workshop

Every so often, no matter how sure you are that the duplication is a “known good” one, you should verify
that the duplication image is still what you want to be rolling out. For example, file and print software
might have changed, and your duplication might need updating.
A duplication session in its simplest form is basically a DOS session with a network boot disk. You boot
a DOS disk, load the network client, log in, and then run your duplication software. This allows you to
copy the entire contents of the current hard drive to a file on the network or download the contents of the
network file to the workstation’s hard drive. You have other options, too. You can duplicate disk to disk,
to a tape drive, or to a CD-ROM image, all depending on the duplication software you choose.
Whoa, you say, that’s a lot of stuff! Yes, this is true. However, current duplication technology will allow
you to compress the disk file on-the-fly, making a 2GB hard drive with 1GB free take up only about
250MB on the network.
Think of this as making a ZIP file of your hard drive—but with all hidden files, system files, and certain
drive-specific contents such as the boot sector.
Be aware, however, that not all duplication software will allow you to recover individual files from a
duplication file—some will only allow you to restore the entire hard drive.
After you duplicate, you have to change the individual parameters on the new workstation—for example,
the machine name and the TCP/IP address (if you’re not using DHCP). Advanced duplication software
has the capability to do this for you. Cool!
Protection Policy: Automatic Administrative Tools
”Save the users from themselves!” is the cry heard from many a network administrator. I’m sure you’ve
at least thought it. Consider the case of the lady who learned how to change her screen colors—and
changed them to yellow, her favorite color. This would have been fine, only she changed all the colors to
yellow—foreground and background—leaving her with a yellow-on-yellow Windows installation. Kind
of hard to read!
Previous Table of Contents Next