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Preparing Multiple Workstations

Setting up all software once and configuring it is quite some work, for small conferences it might be feasible to do it manually. But for bigger conferences we suggest setting up a master computer and cloning the system.

Setup Strategy

  • Large conferences: Set up a "master" computer and clone other systems
  • Small conferences (4-6 PCs): Manual setup may be more practical than having the cloning overhead

Cloning Options

Method Description Best For
Clonezilla Creates disk image on USB drive, can clone to multiple systems via network Most conferences
Hardware Duplicator Dedicated device for direct disk-to-disk transfer Simple setups

Cloning Prerequisites

Required Resources

  • Master workstation (fully configured)
  • Large USB drives (one per person setting up)
  • Identical hardware across all PCs (for driver compatibility)

Windows Sysprep Process

Generalisation Steps:

  1. Open Sysprep
  2. System Cleanup Action: Enter System Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE)
  3. Generalise checkbox: Select (Note: Johan recommended not generalising during TM 2017)
  4. Shutdown Options: Select Shutdown
  5. Click OK to run Sysprep and shut down

For Windows "generalising" the image with "sysprep" removes any hardware-dependent information from it, resets the activation timer, and cleans up Windows so that you can duplicate the image on other computers.

Cloning

If you want to clone with Clonezilla follow the very good clonezilla instructions:

Save Disk Image and Restore Disk Images

If you use disk duplicaters hookup your disks and start the process:

External Resources

Scoop - Installation and Setup Tool

Functionality:

  • Batch software installation
  • Automated update management
  • Silent installation capabilities
  • Coverage of most JACoW-required software

Advantages:

  • Significant time savings
  • Consistent installations
  • Automatic latest versions
  • Reduced manual configuration errors

Chocolatey - Package Management

Application:

  • Automated software installation
  • Package management for Windows systems
  • Streamlined setup for multiple workstations
  • Version control for installed software

Benefits for JACoW:

  • Reduces manual installation time
  • Ensures consistent software versions
  • Simplifies system cloning and setup

Clonezilla - Cloning and System Duplication Tool

Capabilities:

  • Disk imaging and cloning
  • Network-based multi-system deployment
  • Support for various file systems
  • Both individual and mass deployment options

JACoW Use Case:

  • Master system duplication
  • Rapid deployment of identical workstations
  • Network-based installation for large conferences

Ninite - Installation and Setup Tool

Functionality:

  • Batch software installation
  • Automated update management
  • Silent installation capabilities
  • Coverage of most JACoW-required software

Advantages:

  • Significant time savings
  • Consistent installations
  • Automatic latest versions
  • Reduced manual configuration errors