Compiled Configurations: 101

[dpertschi]

I have not explored Compiled configurations before, but am now very intrigued as I move away from a semi-monolithic approach. My 100% modular configuration has 10 components now and counting. The documentation is vague, can someone advise if I understand this correctly…

After compiling the configuration, I simply take the .dmg that is now in the CompiledConfigurations folder on a CasperShare, drop it back into Casper Admin and use it as the basis for a new configuration. Then delete the compiled .dmg from the CompiledConfigs folder (quickly so it doesn't unnecessarily replicate to my other 9 servers?) It seems obvious, but that sure is a lot of jerking around.

Also, is there anything that does not install properly with this method, that should be left out of the compiled image, and simply added to the new config? I think I saw some dialog in the archives about either directory bindings or first boot stuff?

thanks a lot,
Darrin

[talkingmoose]

No need to take the compiled image and move it. If you select a
On 12/9/11 9:08 AM, "Darrin Pertschi" <dpertschi at mac.com> wrote:
configuration and Casper Imaging detects a compiled image then it will use
it. Otherwise, Casper Imaging will image the machine using modular
imaging, which is much slower. Based on my experience I suggest you only
use a compiled image when:

1. You have many machines that will receive this configuration. (I'm
   thinking dozens or hundreds or thousands not 5-10).

2. This is the complete image and you're not adding packages on top of it.
   If you need to add more packages then I suggest that you do indeed copy
   the compiled image file back into Casper Admin and use that as your base
   OS installer (priority 1). Add additional packages as needed.

Rule of thumb: Compiled (monolithic) configurations take longer upfront to
create but take much less time to deploy. Modular configurations can be
edited just before imaging time but take longer to deploy.

--

William Smith
Technical Analyst
Merrill Communications LLC
(651) 632-1492

[alexjdale]

Do I have to use a compiled configuration to use multiple partitions? I am trying to add a Lion recovery partition, but I've discovered that no matter what I enter in the "additional partition" pane, that second partition isn't created.

I really don't want to have to use complied configurations since I have over 25 distribution points around the globe, and compiled configurations are not feasible due to the replication times.