Fastest way to assemble computers

[Stupid Boy]

I will be assembling 7 computer systems with identical software and hardware. I will be doing this alone. Which of the following procedures is faster?

First Procedure
1. Assemble one system.
2. Install software and create an image of the software on that system while assembling the other systems. (Assemble the system while waiting for things to install.)
3. Assemble the other six systems in an a manner similar to an assembly line.

Second Procedure
1. Assemble seven systems in a manner similar to an assembly line.
2. Install software and create an image.

Also, remember that it will be easier to deal with stupid errors if I follow the first procedure.

Thanks

 

[Dubbin1]

The assembly line would be the fastest way. Just lay everything out in line and have at it.

 

[Stupid Boy]

The assembly line would be the fastest way. Just lay everything out in line and have at it.

But which assembly line way--the first or the second?

 

[kct2]

I don't think it makes that much of a difference...I think I'd rather get all the computers built first though.

I'm not sure how method 1 makes it any easier to deal with 'stupid errors.'

So I'd build the 7 machines, start the windows install on the image master (if you are installing windows...), go get lunch, finish installing software.

If you are going to be cloning win2k or XP, make sure you know how to use sysprep...

 

[Drec]

id build em two at a time...while installing on two of em get to work on the other two.

 

[TimDgsr]

procedure one sounds good in theory, but to build while you create an image is going to slow the creation of that image down tremendously, if it was me at least. you start paying attention to one thing, then you're like oh yeah, i need to set the time zone on that machine being loaded.

if it was me, i would knock out all the assembly, start working on an image while i talked to people on instant messenger/listened to music/browsed ocforums. then start handing out the image while i watched tv.

so, my vote is on method 2.

 

[realms]

Build your 7 boxes and read this: http://www.overclockers.com/tips1158/ if you are using xp, make 7 install discs with your 7 legit keys. Assemble, pop in auto install cd, and dont worry about it. If only it had auto windows update and auto download every friggin driver.

 

[WiNd]

i say get some of your niece and nephew and have them work for you. really it shouldn't make a big difference how you do as long as you get it done. I think the 2nd option is better because that way you wouldnt have to forget about a step or a piece of hardware in the build and also you would be able to ghost all the computers at the same time, rather then doing it one by one and having to forget about where you left off.

 

[Bald Shadow]

i say get some of your niece and nephew and have them work for you. really it shouldn't make a big difference how you do as long as you get it done. I think the 2nd option is better because that way you wouldnt have to forget about a step or a piece of hardware in the build and also you would be able to ghost all the computers at the same time, rather then doing it one by one and having to forget about where you left off.

Agreed.

 

[Disputant]

I used to build servers 2 or 3 at a time. I found that using a checklist helped a lot because of the Unix configurations that I had to do on them I forgot less of the steps.

A switch box is nice for loading several at a time as well. I used post it notes to keep track of where I was at on each of the servers in case I steped out for lunch and lost my place.

 

[Stupid Boy]

First, what I mean by "stupid errors" is installing RAM in single channel, attaching switches backwards, etc.

Build your 7 boxes and read this: http://www.overclockers.com/tips1158/ if you are using xp, make 7 install discs with your 7 legit keys. Assemble, pop in auto install cd, and dont worry about it. If only it had auto windows update and auto download every friggin driver.

Second, can I do the above for Windoze 2000?

Third, so far I think I'll use the second method for this reason:

procedure one sounds good in theory, but to build while you create an image is going to slow the creation of that image down tremendously, if it was me at least. you start paying attention to one thing, then you're like oh yeah, i need to set the time zone on that machine being loaded.

Thanks for your help, everyone

 

[JoT]

Yes, you can use that method in "Windoze" 2000.