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

[m.roth at 5-cent.us]

Jason Pyeron wrote:
> 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.

This works *really* well - it's how I build/rebuild new servers and
workstations. We've got a cgi script that creates a ks file, and we get it
started, choose what we're building, and walk away. In somewhere between a
dozen and 30 min, it's up, knowing its name, etc.
>
> 2. Make a (bootable) utility CD that:
> * has a program to "save" the state of the computer to the image server

You *really* might want to do that before pxeboot rebuilding it... for
legal reasons.
<snip>
          mark