David Alanis <SDALAN04 at smumn.edu>  wrote:
> However, there is no two computers alike at one given point to i
> mage.

Symantec sells a product called iCommand that does NOT operate on a
disk-imaging basis for network installation and management.  It
actually run and automates the software package installation process,
partitions disks, etc, in a way similar to Kickstart and now the
debian-installer.  It has many other remote management features that
you would find useful.  Ghost simply doesn't work for disparate
hardware profiles.  Were I given the choice to buy some sort of remote
management and installation application for Windows environments,
iCommand would be my front runner.  Couple that with Active Directory,
and you've got a relatively powerful solution for managing Windows
boxes.

> Wow! My boss blew me away, seriously, I can no longer take this job
> serious anymore.

Don't be surprised or put off, David.  Some people just won't "see the
light".  It sounds like your boss has pretty much laid down the law.
I wouldn't bother challenging him further unless you can find a
company that offers support for whatever software product you find
that does the job.  Whether or not the software is Free Software, Open
Software, Shareware, or Commercial, it needs to do its job well.
That's all your boss really cares about, and I don't blame him.

If your entire site is Windows and Microsoft, then you stick with
Windows and Microsoft-centric solutions.  There are a LOT of software
vendors and solutions for the problem you're trying to solve.  If this
is your project, then it would do well for you to learn about those
solutions.  If you don't like the focus of your job, then start
looking for a new one.  But by all means, don't stall just because you
cannot find a solution that matches your chosen moral compass.

-- 
Chad Walstrom <chewie at wookimus.net>           http://www.wookimus.net/
           assert(expired(knowledge)); /* core dump */