Ghost is easy to use, high performance software used to deploy operating system images to servers and workstations as well as management of both Linux and Windows systems. It's so well known and widely used that the imaging process, despite other products doing the same thing, is called "ghosting".
The latest version has enhancements to the core engine as well as updates to the console. The core, Ghost Server, does most of the work but the console isn't often noticed; Symantec has made major improvements to this aspect, which is a simple inventory system that allows you to keep track of and create machine groups. Once created, the groups help you deploy software and images based on your policies.
Ghost is ideal for small to medium networks, providing important information such as which applications are installed, hardware composition and patches. For Vista users, the system shows you which of your systems would benefit from an upgrade and which would not. This feature is understandably popular with administrators, especially those with heavy workloads who need to save time.
Another popular feature is the DeployAnywhereTM technology, allowing you to create hardware independent images that allow image re-use across system regardless of hardware configurations. In addition significant savings in cost and time are realized, increasing production time and making downtime almost a thing of the past. It's little wonder that it's the most used imaging and deployment software.
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