RIS enables you to support on-demand image-based or script-based clean operating system installations over a network connection from a RIS server to a RIS client. RIS is included in Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition; Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition; and Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition operating syst 959q1613j ems. RIS allows you to standardize client operating system installations, control the end-user installation experience, and choose the software distribution media you use. RIS supports large-scale deployments of Windows Server 2003 and Microsoft Windows XP Professional and can also serve as an operations and recovery tool.
RIS uses Pre-boot eXecution Environment (PXE) technology to enable client computers without an operating system to boot remotely to a RIS server that performs installation of a supported operating system over a TCP/IP network connection. You can deploy one or more RIS servers to accommodate your client operating system needs, but each client must have compatible hardware, which includes a BIOS and network adapter that support the remote-boot process. You can create different sets of RIS images to accommodate various configurations of different groups of client computers. You can also use Group Policy settings to limit the installation options that RIS presents to clients. You can use RIS to provide interactive operating system installations that require user input, or fully-automated installations that require no user input other than logon credentials.
The process steps described in this chapter can help IT professionals in medium and large organizations successfully plan, design, and execute a RIS-based operating system deployment. Job aids that are available to assist you in deploying RIS are listed in "Additional Resources" later in this chapter.
It is recommended that you use RIS when you have a large number of clients that need clean installations of an operating system and when you have an idea of the software configurations you want to deploy in your organization. To deploy RIS, your network infrastructure must be able to support RIS-based installations. Also, DNS and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) servers must be running on the network and you must have the Active Directory directory service installed. In addition, you must be familiar with the Windows XP Professional and Windows Server 2003 setup process.
Once you deploy RIS, you can automate large-scale operating system installations, customized for various predefined client and server configurations, in either the interactive or fully-automated mode. You can deliver standard desktops to clients using predefined master images, including customized application installation and configuration. You can also provide installations based on CD-type images from a distribution share. In addition, you can secure client installations by setting user access rights and configuring Group Policy settings that control user installation options.
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