Snow 302: Mac OS X Deployment 10.6 September 19, 2011

Course Descriptions
This three-day course focuses on solutions for deploying software, ranging from the installation of individual files to the deployment of complete system images to multiple computers. Students then apply what they've learned to create a full deployment plan that includes testing, hardware and software deployment, auditing and maintenance.

The course also teaches students how to create a tiered Software Update server solution, as well as about third-party solutions to supplement tools provided by Apple. Students get hands-on experience in using tools such as Apple Remote Desktop, Disk Utility, PackageMaker, and System Image Utility and discuss the pros and cons of each for different deployment situations.

Who should attend?
This class is for Mac OS X system administrators who need to know how to streamline the process of installing and configuring a large number of computers running Mac OS X.
Prerequisites
Students should have the following prerequisite knowledge prior to attending this course:
• Understanding of Mac OS X
• Basic troubleshooting experience or Snow 101
• Basic Mac OS X Server experience or Snow 201
• Experience with Mac OS X in a network environment
• Experience using the command-line interface with Mac OS X

Note: Due to the course structure and curriculum design, this course requires a minimum attendance of two students.

COURSE OUTLINE
Note: The curricula below comprise activities typically covered in a class at this skill level. The instructor may, at his/her discretion, adjust the lesson plan to meet the needs of the class.
Chapter 1: Deployment Planning
Using the Deployment Planning Template; understanding primary deployment concepts; planning hardware deployment logistics; planning usage management
Chapter 2: Deploying Individual Items and Containers
Mac OS X file deployment considerations; using archive files for deployment; using ARD 3 to deploy items; using disk images for deployment
Chapter 3 - Deploying with Installation Packages
Understanding Mac OS X installation technology; creating installation packages; using installation package actions, scripting, and snapshots; deploying and maintaining installation packages; third-party installation tools
Chapter 4 - Deploying Entire Systems
System deployment techniques overview; creating a cloned system image; creating a modular system image; deploying system images; third-party system image creation tools and Boot Camp
Chapter 5 - Using NetBoot for Deployment
Understanding the NetBoot service; creating simple NetBoot images; configuring the NetBoot service; creating custom NetBoot images; third-party system deployment tools
Chapter 6 - Postimaging Deployment Considerations
Postimaging client configuration techniques; postimaging server configuration techniques; third-party postimaging configuration tools
Chapter 7 - System Maintenance
Understanding system maintenance concepts; using Apple tools for system maintenance; using the Apple Software Update service; third-party system maintenance tools