
This also involves less work in mainatining the image as any work only needs to be done once and not x-times per different type of hardware. One image becomes possible for multiple hardware configurations.

First, virtual machines provide the option to create hardware-neutral images which can be applied anywhere, regardless of what is actually in the target computer. Virtual machine software for the creation workspace. Windows and software install media ( obviously) This piece will discuss creating a Windows install for distribution. Many shops do not operate that way, and have some level of interaction required during the imaging process. This is offered by Microsoft System Center (SCCM) along with the Deployment Toolkit (MDT). The ideal target being what Microsoft calls “zero-touch” deployments that require no interaction on the target computer whatsoever. From a few PCs, to hundreds, the requirements were the same, to deploy the same configuration with as little, repetitive work as possible.

8.x?), desired apps for the image (Office, PDF viewer, web browsers, plugins), virtual machine software (VMware Workstation, Microsoft Hyper-V, or Oracle Virtual Box), and image creation and deployment software (ImageX.exe, MDT, SCCM).Īlmost every place I have ever worked, IT had or needed a method to clone and deploy a specific Windows configuration and application set. This software is free, open source, and multi-platform.Requirements: Windows install media (7 or 10. For most users I recommend Oracle VM Virtualbox.

There are several applications that allow you to create a Virtual Machine. You may or may not be able to play games or run certain programs using a Virtual Machine. NOTE: Virtualization does not fully support graphics intensive programs. iso file.Ĥ) If you are creating a VM that runs Windows you will need the Product Key.ĥ) An internet connection or the VirtualBox installation file.

Have you ever wanted to run legacy software that modern Operating Systems no longer support? Have you ever wanted to create a simple test environment to avoid causing harm to your computer? Have you ever wanted to set up your own server, but never had the hardware to implement it?Ĭreating a Virtual Machine (VM) is the answer to your problems! What you need:ġ) A computer with a processor that supports Virtualization.Ģ) At least 8-20 GB of disk space(depends on what OS you are installing) and 1 GB of RAM.ģ) Installation Media: You must have the CD/DVD or the.
