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, Property List Editor, DeployStudio, and System Image Utility and discuss the pros and cons of each for different deployment situations.

Students should have the following prerequisite knowledge prior to attending the course:

• Understanding of OS X

• Basic troubleshooting experience or Lion 101

• Basic OS X Server experience or Lion 201

• Experience with OS X in a network environment

• Experience using the command-line interface with OS X

Chapter 1 - Deployment Design & Logistics

Understanding primary deployment concepts; planning hardware deployment logistics; planning usage management

 

Chapter 2 - Item Distribution and Scripting

OS X file deployment considerations, using archive (zip) files for deployment, using ARD 3 to deploy items; using disk images for deployment. Discussion of package features, creation and deployment of packages.

 

Chapter 3 - Client Management with MCX and Profiles

Using MCX (Managed Client for OS X) for client management with Workgroup Manager; Understanding the use of profiles for client and computer management. Deploying profiles with Profile Manager.

 

Chapter 4 - System Image Creation

Understanding system image creation, integrating systems with managed preferences, customizing a system prior to imaging, preparing a system for image creation, creating a cloned system image with Disk Utility; using System Image Utility to create NetBoot, NetInstall, and NetRestore images including images via the modular build method.

 

Chapter 5 - System Image Deployment

Understanding system image deployment; Understanding the NetBoot service, configuring the NetBoot service, configuring clients to boot with a network disk image, monitoring and troubleshooting the NetBoot service, deploying system images with NetRestore, configuring ASR network multicast, deploying systems with NetInstall, using System Image Utility workflow actions, MDM and Configuration Profiles, and post-imaging considerations. Using DeployStudio for deployment and creation of images along with running post imaging scripts.

 

Chapter 6 - Life Cycle Management

Understanding system maintenance concepts; using Apple tools for system maintenance; using the Apple Software Update service; third-party system maintenance tools