Creating a lot of sheep

In many IT environments, there is a need to install the same operating system on multiple computers. Manually installing an OS on several computers is simply not efficient, and with all the other options out there, why would you?

Perhaps the most fundamental way is to use Windows Deployment Services. This requires that you already have one server set up, with all the computers you want to install the OS on hooked into the same network. I have yet to try WDS, but from what I've read it seems quick and easy. The setup can be further hastened by the creation of an unattended install, as long as you remember to configure WDS to use the unattended file.

Another popular option is cloning, also known as ghosting. This involves setting up the OS on one operating system, configuring it the way you want, even installing drivers, service packs, and third-party software, and then using cloning software to make an image of the installation and then copy it to a hard disk on another computer, or hundreds of other computers. This can be done with a DVD or USB drive, another hard drive, or even through a network.

Examples of cloning software include Symantec's Ghost and Acronis True Image (both commercial software) or the free FOG.