[CentOS] [OT] PXE Boot / image server for non-profit's computers

Tue Apr 8 19:08:51 UTC 2014
Jason Pyeron <jpyeron at pdinc.us>

This is the best collection of minds I can think of on this topic, that's why it
is on this list. I think it is too subjective for stackoverflow.

So here is the problem:

The community center has multiple computers for the children (and adult
students) to use. These computer are always donated and the hardware is all
different. Currently the systems are running Windows (but this may change). Most
days the systems are "hacked" by the kids and all is well, but sometimes the
changes to the systems requires a reinstall. The staff are not presently
qualified to diagnose any problems.

Here is the draft idea:

1. Have a CentOS image / PXE server.

2. Make a (bootable) utility CD that:
* has a program to "save" the state of the computer to the image server
* on boot gives an option to re-image the computer
* has a (boot-time or OS) diagnostic program to check network connectivity to
the image server

3. Make a single page instruction sheet on using the utility disc, including on
how to boot from CD

Implementation suggestions?

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