Computer imaging

With a computer imaging solution, you can simplify the imaging process, maximize user uptime, and create a more secure and productive endpoint environment. Pick the right tool so that you can quickly set up and provision your computer systems when onboarding new employees or migrating users from one device to another.

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Computer Imaging Hero image
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What is computer imaging?

Computer imaging allows sysadmins to capture a golden image and deploy it to other computers. A golden image — AKA a master or base image — is a preconfigured copy of the contents on a reference computer’s hard disk drive or virtual disk.
 
IT typically images computers when they need to set up machines for new employees, repair or repurpose existing machines, or upgrade devices to the latest OS version.  
 
Corporate OS images are configured according to company policies and standards for greater endpoint security and smoother operations. Created images can be deployed to user devices using offline media, over local networks, or even over the cloud

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Key computer imaging features

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Guided interface

Create images, build deployment packages, and manage ongoing tasks easily from a central dashboard with wizard guides.

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Build a virtual reference machine

Simplify computer imaging by building a single golden reference VM on your computer and save on storage and hardware costs.

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Image capture with VM running

Keep your reference VM running, constantly updating, and ready for image capture at any time.

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Capture and deploy Windows 11

Ready to take the leap? Capture and deploy Windows 11 images to compatible machines directly from your console.

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Create WDS boot media

Already using Windows Deployment Services? You can create WDS boot media for network-based deployment via PXE boot.

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Keep user profiles intact

Manage Windows upgrades and break-fix scenarios more efficiently by reimaging the OS layer — without affecting user files and settings.

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Create custom answer files

Use custom answer files to automate OS deployments, application deployments, and post-deployment scripting.

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Multicast images

For larger batches of computers, the multicast feature allows you to deploy images to multiple machines at the same time.

What are the benefits of computer imaging?

More efficient endpoint management

Computer imaging enables IT to manage and support PCs across the organization more efficiently. Streamline otherwise resource-intensive tasks like hardware rollouts, Windows migration, user migration, PC break-fixes, and lab refreshes.

Better endpoint performance and security

Deploying a custom, up-to-date corporate image to user devices removes unwanted bloatware or undetected security risks. By starting from the same known, clean state, you get more consistent endpoint performance and a lower risk of unplanned downtime.

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More efficient PC lifecycle management, Eliminate OEM bloatware, Better endpoint security & compliance, Improved endpoint performance, Keep endpoints up to date easily, Improved helpdesk productivity, Reduced user downtime, Lower IT operational costs More efficient PC lifecycle management, Eliminate OEM bloatware, Better endpoint security & compliance, Improved endpoint performance, Keep endpoints up to date easily, Improved helpdesk productivity, Reduced user downtime, Lower IT operational costs More efficient PC lifecycle management, Eliminate OEM bloatware, Better endpoint security & compliance, Improved endpoint performance, Keep endpoints up to date easily, Improved helpdesk productivity, Reduced user downtime, Lower IT operational costs

SmartDeploy vs. leading competitor in computer imaging

Easy setup

Short ramp-up time

Wizard-driven guided interface

Suitable for any skill level

Additional training recommended

Requires complex configurations

Quick-start guides available

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Easy setup

Yes

Short ramp-up time

Yes

Wizard-driven guided interface

Yes

Can be used by technicians of any skill level and experience

Yes

Additional training recommended

No

Requires complex configurations

No

Quick-start guides available

Yes

Competitor

Easy setup

No

Short ramp-up time

No

Wizard-driven guided interface

No

Can be used by technicians of any skill level and experience

No

Additional training recommended

Yes

Requires complex configurations

Yes

Quick-start guides available

Yes

Frequently asked questions

What are the different types of computer imaging software?

There are two common types of computer imaging software: sector-based and file-based. Depending on the number and diversity of endpoints you support, the type of computer imaging software you use can impact efficiency and operational costs.

  • Sector-based imaging software

Sector-based imaging software involves creating a carbon copy of a reference computer’s hard disk with the OS, drivers, and software, and applying that copy to an identical device. That means you can deploy your image only to a user device with the same make and model. If you’re managing an environment with different types of hardware, you’ll need to maintain a huge inventory of physical reference machines and images, making computer imaging a resource-intensive and expensive affair. 


  • File-based imaging software

On the other hand, file-based imaging software like SmartDeploy gives you more control over the OS files and software in your image. You can create a golden Windows image that’s compatible with any device model or user group, containing just the OS and core applications required by all users in the organization. Model-specific device drivers and specialized software can be installed or deployed in separate layers. Using file-based imaging software, you can streamline the computer imaging process and reduce the size of your image library.



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Sector-based imaging software vs. file-based imaging software illustrationSector-based imaging software vs. file-based imaging software illustrationSector-based imaging software vs. file-based imaging software illustration
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How do you deploy images to user devices?

Quickly deploy your Windows golden image, drivers, and applications to new PCs in less than an hour.

  • Offline

You can deploy your image using USB or optical media like DVD, which contain the target OS, device drivers, and software. Offline deployments are best for computers not connected to the local network or the internet.



  • Online via local network

Online deployment via a local office network is fast and reliable, allowing you to connect to a file server and use it as a central image repository. This method of deployment is common in scenarios like hardware rollouts and school lab refreshes.



  • Over the cloud

Some computer imaging solutions feature out-of-box remote cloud computer imaging. Because they’re integrated with third-party cloud storage providers, you can deploy images and push out software and patches to devices over the cloud.




Whether users are onsite or remote, the best computer imaging software equips you to support and manage devices with ease and efficiency.

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How to choose the right computer imaging software?

When choosing the right computer imaging software, consider its business value. Price matters, but low-cost or free computer imaging software can come with a steep learning curve (and often no user guides or technical support). The extra hours and resources required may simply not be worth it. 

Instead, consider how a computer imaging tool can increase your team’s overall efficiency and productivity. Look at factors like these:

  • Ease of setup and use 

  • Functionalities 

  • Scalability

  • Device compatibility  

  • Technical support

Always try before you buy. Check out product demos and free trials that allow you to image a computer or two and experience the software for yourself before deciding.

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