QuickAdd vs Casper Imaging - best for new Mac (mid 2012)

[jhalvorson]

Is it better to "thin image" using A) QuickAdd with a post script that calls a custom trigger or B) Casper Imaging with a configuration that doesn't include a base OS? I also need to consider the easy of use for our configuration techs.

I used to have time to explore all the options, but my R&D time is short.

Just wondering which method people are preferring to use when un-boxing a new mid 2012 Mac, adding preferences, installing apps, and setting them to be like the rest in our enterprise.

[talkingmoose]

Normally, I use PreStage Imaging for all new machines and NetBoot them to image. Some mid 2012 machines may require a different build, though.

I'll record the serial number off the unopened box and affix our asset tag to the outside so that I can apply it when I do open the box. If I have multiple machines I'll create one PreStage record with all the purchase information and duplicate that for the rest of my machines. Then I'll assign an individual configuration to each machine by scoping it to just the machine's MAC address. Finally, NetBoot and image automatically.

My suggestion for when NetBoot is not an option is to still use PreStage Imaging so that you can capture the purchase information quickly for multiple machines. Log in to the machine as the administrator and run Casper Imaging from a thumb drive or network share. Use a configuration without erasing the disk or installing an OS.

[golbiga]

Either method will work fine, but when booting off a netboot server or thumb drive you wont need to create the initial account manually. I started doing Thin Imaging for all my new machines.

For the initial imaging process (make sure not to erase the macintosh hd) I just add printers drivers, plugins, and our firstboot script (No OS). During the firstboot I set a few settings/mcx and call a bunch of custom policy triggers to install Office, Symantec EndPoint and a few other programs that require installation post imaging. Oh and of course run all available software updates.

Allen

[donmontalvo]

We just received some Mid 2012 Mac Pros. They appear to ship with 10.7.3, so fingers are crossed that our 10.7.4 image will boot them (should).

Apple KB HT1159 is updated, but there doesn't appear to be granular info on that model. The Mac Pro link at the bottom of the page doesn't offer a lot of info (no Order Number or Model Number)...nothing as in depth as the MacBook Pro links at the bottom of the same page.

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1159

external image link

[jhalvorson]

I collected all three new models and here are my observations as of 07-11-2012:

MacBook Air 13-inch mid 2012 (5,2)
Unboxed: 10.7.4 11E2520
After all available updates: 10.7.4 11E2705
Will not netboot to existing 10.7.4 11E53 image (pre mid 2012 models)
Of course it can netboot to 10.7.4 11E2705 (created on mid 2012 MacBook Air)
Network Restore and capture of InstallESD.DMG obtains 10.7.4 11E2520

MacBook Pro 13-inch mid 2012 (9,2)
Unboxed: 10.7.3 11D2515
After all available updates: 10.7.4 11E2620
Will not netboot to existing 10.7.4 11E53 image (pre mid 2012 models)
Can netboot to 10.7.4 11E2705 (created on mid 2012 MacBook Air)
Network Restore and capture of InstallESD.DMG - haven't finished yet.

MacBook Pro with Retina mid 2012 (10,1)
Unboxed: 10.7.4 11E2068
After all available updates: 10.7.4 11E2620
Will not netboot to existing 10.7.4 11E53 image (pre mid 2012 models)
Will not netboot to 10.7.4 11E2705 (created on mid 2012 MacBook Air)
Network Restore and capture of InstallESD.DMG - haven't finished yet.