There were some bugs in the first version of the "Mac OS X Server Open Directory Administration For Version 10.5 Leopard"  

Check out the new version. 

Open Directory Administration 

http://images.apple.com/server/macosx/docs/Open_Directory_Admin_v10.5.pdf

Over the years a lot of people have been confused when setting up a Multicast-ASR (mASR) server. So far there have been two tools out there to help with this: Proton Pack Server and Mac HelpMate. Mac HelpMate is easy to find, but it always seems that people have had trouble tracking down Proton Pack. To that end we are now hosting the Proton Pack Server application on AFP548.com.

Take a look in our downloads section or click here to get started. (Download is 2.46 MB)

The MacEnterprise.org group will be presenting a Webcast on InstaDMG: Image Creation Revolution on April 15, 2008 at 1:00pm EDT (10:00am PDT).

InstaDMG is revolutionizing the way that Mac sysadmins create ASR deployment images and it can help you too. More than just a tool, InstaDMG is actually a methodology for deployment image creation and testing. In this webcast we will cover both the methodology and the reference tool in detail, including a roadmap of the reference script feature set.

For more information on how to view the webcasts, please visit: http://macenterprise.org/content/blogcategory/113/96/

 

The login ID for April 15th Webcast : MacEnterprise

Passcode for April 15th Webcast is : 724412

Go to the following web page 5-10 minutes prior to the webcast start time: http://webcast.training.apple.com/

 

Webcast Coordinator

Macenterprise.org

As part of some self-documentation, I posted on my personal blog exactly what works and where I found the help for getting an OpenDirectory 10.5 Server running from a 10.4 in production box. The twist is that I needed to keep my SID and other PDC functionality that I've inherited up from 10.3.9. Yes, it can be done, and no you can't upgrade. Below is the reprint from my blog which I'm posting here for posterity:

Leopard server brings us a new interface for managing amavis in Server Admin. But, using some of the options of Server Admin's GUI doesn't modify correctly /etc/amavisd.conf and brings some weird issues

We're back again for another year. We'll be at the Thirsty Bear, same place as always, on June 11th. Save the date and we'll have more information on the party times and how to get tickets shortly.

I've been quiet for a bit on InstaDMG so I thought I would give an update.

Yes, there is a new version of the reference script coming soon. Work has been crazy lately, and not left me in the office much to work on my dev systems. I'll be posting an actual roadmap of the functions to be added to the code soon. I haven't posted it yet only because I got a fantastic code submission from reader Gordon Davisson. He submitted enough new code that I will be able to jump ahead on several of the milestones after I vet and integrate his changes.

The InstaDMG forums are still hopping with great tips and tricks for getting your build train going. If you haven't poked around in there you should really take a look.

To help with file tracking I've created an InstaDMG category in our downloads section. In the category I have a section for the reference script and one for user submitted packages. Our first upload is a comprehensive take on Instauser, submitted by reader Pete Akins. Feel free to grab it and see if you like it.

Overall we have been thrilled with the response to InstaDMG. Keep sending your feedback and we will keep pushing forward!

LANrev announced today that their InstallEase automated packaging tool is now free.

InstallEase is a tool for creating installer packages and has functionalities like automated "Before" and "After" snapshots, installation of files to current user's home folder, exclusion filters and uninstaller packages all wrapped into a graphical user interface for administrators.

Registration is required to get the free download, and is available here -http://www.lanrev.com/solutions/installease.shtml

LabMan is a conference of and focused on people who are in the trenches implementing stuff for academic computer labs, kiosks, libraries, and the like. Good place to make contacts with people doing your kind of work at other institutions as well.  Tends to be education heavy, is not Mac specific, has a mix of higher Ed and K-12 attendees plus some businesses. Attendance has been in the 170-210 range the last few years.

Note that the attendees ARE the presenters.  If you have a nice setup or a unique experience that you think others might be interested in/learn from, submit a proposal.

Official announcement:
http://www.mnsu.edu/labman2008/email/default.htm

Main site:
http://www.labmanconference.org