Comparing DOS, Linux and WinPE for Deployment Solution automation environments

Products

• Deployment Solution
• Ghost Solution Suite

Issue/Introduction

 What are the pros and cons of using DOS, Linux, and WinPE as Deployment Solution or Ghost Solution automation environment?

Environment

DS 8.x

GSS 3.x

Resolution

Pros of Microsoft DOS*:

• Drivers are easier to import and modify at this time.
• Microsoft DOS has a maximum file size of 2.88 MB.
• Microsoft DOS is capable of multicasting.

Cons of Microsoft DOS:

• Microsoft DOS is significantly slower than WinPE and slightly slower than Linux in regards to imaging.
• It is unable to authenticate to multiple physical devices.
• Altiris does not support DOS authenticating to a domain.
• It is a command line interface only.
• It may not support the most current drivers .
• It may not support new NIC devices.

Pros of Ubuntu Linux*:

• It is capable of authenticating to a domain.
• It is slightly faster than Microsoft DOS in regards to imaging.

Cons of Ubuntu Linux:

• It is more difficult to set up and to use currently.
• It is a command line interface only.

Pros of WinPE*:

• WinPE is significantly faster than Linux or DOS in regards to imaging.
• WinPE is capable of authenticating to a domain.
• WinPE is capable of authenticating to multiple physical devices.

Cons of WinPE:

• WinPE is not capable of receiving the PXE boot file via multicasting.
• WinPE takes longer to receive the PXE boot file (380 MB vs. 1.44 or 2.88 MB).