Apple Remote Desktop 2.2 - Manual (Page 12)

12 Chapter 1 Using Apple Remote Desktop
For example, you can use Apple Software Update to download an iCal update or an
operating system update to a test computer. If the update works as expected and
introduces no compatibility issues, copy the install package to the administrator
computer to distribute to computers that need upgrading. Note that this approach
conserves Internet bandwidth, because only one copy of the package needs to be
downloaded.
You can also use ARD to deploy new versions of computational software to Xserve
computers in a cluster node.
You can use the PackageMaker tool from Apple’s Developer Tools to create your own
install packages, such as when you want to:
• Distribute school project materials or business forms and templates
• Automate the installation of multiple install packages
• Deploy custom applications
Before performing remote installations, you can send an ARD text message to notify
users, perhaps letting them know that you’ll be using ARD to lock their screens at a
particular time before you start the installation.
Using Network Install Images
You can also distribute and install software, including the Mac OS X operating system,
by using Network Install images.
On Mac OS X Server, use the Network Image Utility to create a Network Install image.
You can create the image by cloning a system that’s already installed and set up or by
using an install disc or image downloaded using Apple Software Update. If you choose
to auto-install, you won’t have to interact with each computer. On the ARD
administrator computer, set the startup disk of remote client systems to point to the
Network Install image, and then remotely reboot the clients to initiate installation.
Before initiating installations that require computers to be restarted afterwards, send
an ARD text message to client users to notify them of a pending installation. For
example, tell users you’ll log them off at 5:00 P.M. to install an operating system update.
Using NetBoot Images
Another kind of system image you can create using Mac OS X Server is a NetBoot
image. Like a Network Install image, a client computer uses NetBoot images to start up.
Unlike a Network Install image, the boot software is not installed on the client system.
Instead, it resides on a remote server. It is recommended you use a NetBoot image that
has ARD installed and configured. Otherwise, administering the computer using ARD
after NetBooting is impossible.