PXE Server for New shop Good or no Good?

[NBT_Guy007]

Hello Techs ok so just wondering if having a PXE server setup for my new shop is a good idea or not?

What i want it to do: 1) Diagnostics, like hirens, Memtest, bootable programs for Diag.
2) Load ISO windows installs. Multi-installs at one time.

Also in this have a Squid Server so it makes easier to grab things faster.

Or I'm i listening to older guys with older tech?

Any insight would be great

Thanks
NBT_Guy007

 

[kpk1]

Do a search for 'pxe' in the 'guides, tips and tricks' section.

Lots of good stuff in there.

Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk

 

[NETWizz]

Yes, it is a good idea. Yes, you can do OS installs, image backups, run utilities from a Windows PE environment, etc.

 

[TurricanII]

If you get fed up trying to find/fetching cd's or updating multi boot usb/DVD'so then go for a pxe server! You will probably still run into odd unsupported network cards though.

Search my posts for mention of serva pxe server. Can be portable to run from laptop or usb so you can pxe boot machines on site too

 

[NBT_Guy007]

Thanks Guys!

 

[NBT_Guy007]

Really Quick... PXE Should be ran under what OS (linux or Windows) whats the Difference? Ive done the Search lots of info which i will go through!.

 

[OaksLabs]

Windows: Normally requires a server OS (mainly a cost concern), but it has a GUI interface. Also doesn't play as nice with linux tools.

Linux: Free OS, but assumes you know exactly what you are doing. It is extremely configurable, but it'll be mostly command line stuff (and if you're not familiar with the OS, it can be a steep and frustrating learning curve, because most guides assume you know your way around the OS).

See my thread here: https://www.technibble.com/forums/threads/would-you-use-a-pxe-malware-removal-tool.67329/

 

[Markverhyden]

If I had a shop with the volume I would definitely build a PXE box. Years ago I did a series of upgrades at a major big box chain. Not sure about now but back then they had a PXE box in every store. It was a custom job but really made things very, very easy.

Not sure if you are aware but there are similar options if you are just starting out and this is about M$ OS's. You can get a Zalman VE device to load multiple bootable ISO's as well as multiple bootable partitions. But it's only one machine at a time. You can also build bootable USB sticks with multiple options using something like YUMI

 

[Pixelated Tech]

Try this on for size too: http://clonezilla.org/livepxe.php
Personally, I have a Symantec Ghost PXE for myself. (Older version with 3COM third parties) (Repurchased License)

 

[Pixelated Tech]

If I had a shop with the volume I would definitely build a PXE box. Years ago I did a series of upgrades at a major big box chain. Not sure about now but back then they had a PXE box in every store. It was a custom job but really made things very, very easy.

Not sure if you are aware but there are similar options if you are just starting out and this is about M$ OS's. You can get a Zalman VE device to load multiple bootable ISO's as well as multiple bootable partitions. But it's only one machine at a time. You can also build bootable USB sticks with multiple options using something like YUMI

I love myself some YUMI as @Markverhyden knows. I re-badged my distro with my company branding for onsite work.