Automatically Configuring client workstation in a Lan

Question

Suppose we have a Lan with X clients workstations and Y servers, the servers are running different network services (web, e-mail, directory service...) both client and servers might run either Linux or Windows.

To consume these services users of the client workstations will need to install and configure client software (web client, mail client) on their machines.

Now If we have X=100 and the users are totally average users, is there any mean to automatically deploy configured client software in the client workstations?

Many configuration tools exists such as Puppet or Chef but they seem to be server oriented. Protocols Like DHCP serves only IP Addresses.

Is there any tool or network service that allow clients to autoconfigure themselves?

"we have a Lan with X clients workstations" - What kind of clients? Windows? Linux? Other? — joeqwerty, Oct 09 '13 at 22:06
Without more specific details, you're only going to get quite non-specific answers. — fukawi2, Oct 09 '13 at 23:12

score 4 · Accepted Answer · answered Oct 09 '13 at 23:13

To expand on Grant's answer, an ideal solution (in an all windows environment) would typically involve using three approaches to managing software and settings on client workstations.

You would use group policy (via active directory) to manage settings, permissions, configurations, and restrictions.
You would use WDS (Windows Deployment Services) to manage imaging of client workstations. WDS can be used to maintain a standard operating environment so that you can easily and rapidly deploy windows to a client computer with all the desired settings and applications pre-installed, and pre-configured.
You would use SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager) to provide ongoing maintenance for application deployment and device management. SCCM is a powerful tool, but is often overkill in smaller environments, where it's just easier to maintain a solid SOE using WDS.

+1 that's what I wanted to type but couldn't from my phone. – Grant Oct 09 '13 at 23:14 — Grant, Oct 09 '13 at 23:14
Thanks! How about Linux environments? – Chedy2149 Oct 11 '13 at 07:11 — Chedy2149, Oct 11 '13 at 07:11

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Oct 09 '13 at 23:04

1

Of course there are.

In the windows world you have active directory with group policy. And imaging through windows deployment services or microsoft configuration manager or other tools.

answered Oct 09 '13 at 23:04

Grant

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Automatically Configuring client workstation in a Lan

2 Answers2