Symantec Ghost Solution Suite for Windows 7

Deployment - Procedures and Reference Manual (Self-paced training)

  Introduction

Binary Research International was part of the company that originally developed Ghost (now Symantec Ghost Solution Suite). We have been developing and delivering Ghost training since 1999 - mainly to the USA market. As a result of a  growing number of enquiries from outside of the USA, we have adapted and added to our Manual to create a series of documents designed to allow for self-paced learning without the need for a Trainer. 

The Manual is a combination of very thorough discussion of the topics leading into hands-on, step-by-step Procedures aimed at ensuring you learn to make full use of the powerful functionality within GSS.

Plus we provide you with very detailed instructions to set-up your own "training network". 

You WILL need to pay attention to detail and be disciplined about following the set-up instructions and then the steps within the procedures. But for those of you who have been unable to access a Trainer-led event, this offers a great option to become proficient in the use of Symantec Ghost Solution Suite v.2.5.1.

**Symantec Ghost Solution Suite is a registered Trademark of Symantec Corporation.

  Target Group

This program works with Symantec Ghost Solution Suite v.2.5.1 It is NOT designed for home-users nor for the Norton versions of Ghost. You will need to have an intermediate level knowledge of, and experience with, networking concepts and security. Further, you must have some basic understanding of software deployment concepts and an in-depth understanding of Windows OS pre Windows 7. If you have any questions about whether or not your current skill and knowledge level is appropriate for using this self-directed training manual, please contact us before you purchase.

  Hardware Requirements. We have designed this program around the use of two highly-spec'd physical machines and six virtual machines. You will need to supply your own hardware. Remember we provide you with a full set of instructions for setting up these machines and/or Image files if you prefer. Please click here to see the hardware requirements >>

  Software Requirements. Click here to see what software trials or licensed versions you will require to complete this self-paced learning program.

  Click here to see a sample Module from the Manual .

  Ready to Purchase? Click here >>

  Have questions? Please e-mail us. info@binaryresource.com 

         or telephone us on: (+44) 0330 100 2790

All Modules are based upon Binary's set of  Best Practices using our "Eight-step Process for Deployment Success"  

This module introduces the Program as a whole and provides a roadmap for instruction over the next three days.

The module begins with an overview of the Program, including the Program objectives, and continues with two key topics, which outline the Program Roadmap and introduce BRI's Eight Steps to Deployment Success.  This is where Participants learn the training format of the Program and how the training materials are structured.  Diagrams are included to clearly show the flow of learning and how each module builds upon previous modules.

Also included in Module 1 is a description of the lab setup, which is the virtual environment in which Participants practice hands-on procedures and complete Labs.

The module then introduces another two key topics - Best Practices and Practical Project Management.  Knowing how to use the deployment tools and utilities is only part of successfully using the Ghost Solution Suite.  Knowing when to use which tool is just as important and can mean the difference between success and failure.

Module 1 concludes with an introduction to Microsoft's Hyper-V technology, which is the virtualization environment used to simulate multiple computers during the Program.

Modules 2 through 9 describe how to apply BRI's Eight Step process to migration or deployment scenarios using the Symantec Ghost Solution Suite.  The process is outlined in Figure 2.1 Planning for deployment using Ghost Solution Suite.  Version 2.5.1 of the Ghost Solution Suite is used for procedures in the manual and is the software provided during the course.

The modules have been designed to provide the necessary knowledge and tools to deploy Windows 7 using the Ghost Solution Suite.  Module 2 introduces the Ghost Solution Suite and explains the planning, installation and configuration tasks needed prior to capturing and deploying Images.

Module 3 explores the hardware and software inventory and assessment tools provided with the Ghost Solution Suite.  As mentioned in the previous module, the inventory and assessment tools for both hardware and software are integrated into one piece of functionality, which is why they are covered together in this module.

During the module, Participants gather an inventory of the hardware and software comprising a typical enterprise computer.  A Ghost Console task is used to capture inventory data from this computer.  Once inventory data is collected, Participants then assess and report on the data, again using Console tasks.

As well as describing how to create and execute the inventory and reporting tasks, the module covers dynamic machine groups, custom filters, custom views and custom reports.

Regardless of the methodology used (Microsoft or Symantec), in order to successfully capture a Windows Image, certain tools are required.  The Symantec Ghost Solution Suite tools for capturing an Image are described in this module.

Capturing a Master Image means taking a Windows machine (Windows 7 in this program), with all of the tools and applications used by everyone in an organization, and creating a Ghost Image file (*.gho), which can then be deployed to other computers.

The module begins with the steps necessary to create an optimized Master Machine - one that is the best mix of applications and configuration choices for a particular environment.

Next, the Ghost Boot Wizard is introduced, which is a program for creating bootable media and a pre-operating system environment.  Such an environment is needed to allow the Ghost Engine (ghost32.exe) to run.

The module then covers GhostCasting and using the Ghost Console to capture Images of a Master Machine.  Procedures are included that show how to create an Image using both the Console and GhostCasting.

Module 5 describes how to modify a master Image using Ghost Explorer, one of the Ghost Solution Suite tools.

During this module, Participants use Ghost Explorer to open and browse a previously created Image, and then update and recompile the Image.  Participants can also produce a list detailing the contents of an Image file.

Module 6 covers migrating personal files and configuration settings for one or more Users, either between different computers or between operating systems on the same computer.

The module introduces the User Migration Template and describes the three components that make up the template: Application Settings, User Files and Folders and Registry Keys.

During the module, Participants learn how to use a Ghost Console task to capture User migration data and how to manage User Packages with the User Migration Package Explorer.

Module 7:  PREDEPLOYMENT TESTING

Module 7 explores developing and running test procedures in a Ghost Solution Suite environment.

A formal methodology is discussed, to ensure as many likely test cases as possible are identified, and to minimize errors and failures during deployment.  The test cases are drawn from Ghost Solution Suite tools and the examples discussed are Console tasks.

Module 8:  DEPLOYING AN IMAGE

Module 9:  POST-MIGRATION TASKS