system-imaging-and-deployment-clonezilla

System Imaging and Deployment Using Clonezilla

Creating System Image

Prerequisites:

• Master desktop with the intended OS and software installed
• Ubuntu Server for storing the golden image
• Clonezilla Server Edition (bootable USB drive)

Steps for Creating System Image:

1. Prepare Master System:

   • Install and set up the operating system and required software according to specifications.
   • Configure necessary settings and user accounts.

2. Boot into Clonezilla:

   • Insert the bootable Clonezilla USB drive into the master desktop.
   • Start the computer and boot from the Clonezilla USB drive.

3. Image Creation Process:

   • Choose language and font settings for better visibility.

   • Set up network settings for SSH server connectivity:

     • IP Address: 172.16.100.6/24
     • Gateway: 172.16.100.1
     • Nameserver: 172.16.16.16
     • SSH Server IP: 100.25, Port: 22, User: ubuntu, Password: bitsathy
     • Directory: /home/partimag (ensure it exists with owner 'ubuntu')

   • Enter 'Beginner' mode and select 'Save disk' to create an image:

     • Provide a name for the image.
     • Choose the correct disk (e.g., nvme0n1).
     • Compression: z9p for efficient storage.
     • Skip file system check (-sfsck) to speed up the process.
     • Confirm to check and save.
     • Choose not to encrypt (-senc).
     • Opt to reboot or shut down the system after the image creation completes.

4. Verify Image Backup:

   • Ensure the image creation process finishes successfully.

Restoring and Deploying the Image

Client Machines Setup:

• Disable secure boot in client machines.
• Enable network boot for all client machines.

Deployment Steps:

1. Set Up Clonezilla Server:

   • Boot into Clonezilla on the master desktop.

   • Access the Clonezilla Lite server and configure network boot settings:

     • Choose 'Netboot' and allow automatic DHCP detection.
     • Enter SSH server details for connectivity:
       • IP: 100.25 (storage server), Port: 22, User: ubuntu, Password: bitsathy
       • Folder: /home/partimag
     • Opt for 'Beginner' mode.

2. Mass Deployment:

   • Choose 'Massive deployment.'
   • Select 'From image' and specify the image for restoration.
   • Pick the destination disk (e.g., nvme0n1) on the client machine.
   • Use partition table (-k0) from the image for accurate deployment.
   • Check the image integrity before restoration.
   • Opt to reboot the client machine after restoration.

3. Multicasting (for multiple clients):

   • Choose multicasting if deploying to multiple clients simultaneously.
   • Select the number of clients to wait for before starting the deployment.

Additional Information:

• Creating Local User on Deployed Systems:

  • Username: user
  • Password: user

• Security Question for 'user' Account:

• Default Applications and Extensions:

  • Chrome as the default browser
  • Sumatra PDF as the default PDF reader
  • Extensions: uBlock Origin, Dark Reader added to Chrome

#TODO: make proper document for this