Enterprise Deployment for Windows

Due to the unique nature of SIAT Research, the deployment strategy for our Windows workstations is divided into a 2-step process.

An administrator would begin the process with the installation DVD. No network connection is required in this step. If the workstation in question has a previous user (i.e. not new), the administrator should wipe the hard drive(s) clean to avoid any potential conflicts or privacy issues.

Once Windows is successfully installed, the administrator would update all device drivers, perform system-level setups, set appropriate local accounts and passwords, and join it to the RESEARCH domain. With the workstation on the domain, the administrator will continue second part of the installation, which involves software (with installation scripts) that are stored on the file server.

The deployment image is for a clean installation of Microsoft Windows to a PC. The purpose of the image is to consolidate all the various required software (from different media) to one central source. This eliminates disc swapping and makes automated/unattended installation possible, thus minimizing installation time and human attention.

The images shall be updated at least every 6 months.

Windows XP DVD image

This section covers our standard workstation configuration.

DVD contents

• Microsoft Windows XP Professional (32bit), VLK, SP3-integrated
  • customized with nLite deployment tool for unattended installation
  • injected with printer (HP Color LaserJet 4600, Lexmark T630, Lexmark T640) drivers
  • injected with device (LAN and Mass Storage mostly) drivers for most of our various platforms
  • injected with post-SP3 hotfixes
  • set with a password for the administrator account (new account creation and built-in accounts are all disabled by default)
  • plus tons of more goodies that only administrators get to know ;)
• Sassafras K2 Keyserver Client
  • customized MSI package with pre-configured settings
• McAfee VirusScan Enterprise 8
  • Scripted install?
• Miscellaneous software utilities
  • 7Zip
  • Sun Microsystems JDK
  • .NET 3.5 Update
  • Mozilla Firefox
  • WSUS script (registry update)
  • Windows Installer 4.5
• Latest graphics card drivers
  • ATI Catalyst 9.1 (for all ATI graphics cards)
  • nVidia 175.19 (for legacy cards like GeForce 3, GeForce 4, FX5x00, etc.)
  • nVidia 182.06 (for new cards from GeForce 6 and newer)
  • DirectX 9.0c (for games)
• more to add later

Windows 7 DVD image

This section will be updated as we migrate to Windows 7 (64bit). Stay tuned.

DVD contents

Final DVD not available yet (March 2009).

Server-based Software Deployment

This section covers information about software on the file server. Updates will be available as they become available.

• Microsoft Office 2007 Enterprise Edition
  • TBD
  • TBD
• Adobe Creative Suite 3
  • TBD
  • TBD
• Adobe Creative Suite 4
  • TBD
  • TBD
• SolidWorks 200X???
  • TBD
  • TBD