In this episode I wanted to introduce you all to a really great open source disk cloning and software deployment solution called FOG. This video was inspired by an email I got from Bauer-Power reader, Matt Bradley, who wanted to know how the FOGCrypt.exe file that comes with FOG fit into the Microsoft Active Directory features of FOG.

Here is a description of what Fog is from their website:

Fog is a Linux-based, free and open source computer imaging solution for Windows XP and Vista that ties together a few open-source tools with a php-based web interface. Fog doesn't use any boot disks, or CDs; everything is done via TFTP and PXE. Also with fog many drivers are built into the kernel, so you don't really need to worry about drivers (unless there isn't a linux kernel module for it). Fog also supports putting an image that came from a computer with a 80GB partition onto a machine with a 40GB hard drive as long as the data is less than 40GB.

Fog also includes a graphical Windows service that is used to change the hostname of the PC, restart the computer if a task is created for it, and auto import hosts into the FOG database. The service also installs printers, and does simple snap-ins.

Here is a graphic overview of how it all works from their page as well:

fogoverview

I've been using Fog as an alternative enterprise solution to Symantec Ghostcast, and Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) for about four years now at several companies. It works really well.

Also in the video, Matt Bradley mention my article on how to sysprep Windows 7 easily, you can find that article here: (How to Sysprep Windows 7)

If you have any questions about FOG, setup problems, etc. Hit me up in the comments!

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