Working on documentation for InstaDMG

[bw38]

Hi folks,

I was asked by a co-worker to make documentation on how I create my images for Macs. He makes images for our Windows PCs. Rather than gather a bunch of links (which can disappear on a whim) with guides and documentation, I figured I’d make my own. This guide assumes you’re a novice with Macs (much like I was when I learned about InstaDMG). So I want some feedback on what I have so far. Disregard some of the highlighting. It’s clearly a work in progress document.

In particular, I’d like to add more info to two sections (which I just haven’t had to use but should be in the documentation for the sake of being thorough): InstallerChoices.xml and using InstaDMG.bash the old fashion way.

In particular, I tried to use InstallerChoices.xml once and never did get it working (I left it at that). I will try to revisit it. But could someone help me on this one? How does one use InstallerChoices.xml on the OS X disc? How does one use it for other packages (say Office 2011)? I recall hearing that it doesn’t work for third party packages when used with InstaUp2Date? Is this true?

And prior to InstaUp2Date getting updated for use with OS X Lion, I know that InstaDMG.bash was being used to create images with OS X Lion. But that required the use of numbered folders. That seems nuts in terms of workflow (which is why InstaUp2Date was created!). So how exactly does this work? Lets say you have 20 custom packages (20 folders), but you realize that folder 19 actually needs to be folder 2, would you need to rename all the folders after folder 2? Also, are you able to group packages? For example, could I create under the CustomPackages folder, a folder called Adobe, another called Microsoft, etc. and then just add the numbered folders under the Adobe folder, the Microsoft folder, etc. accordingly? If so, how would I have InstaDMG.bash call all the named folders (adobe, microsoft, etc.)?

If there are other sections that seem that they could use elaboration or that seem out of order, feel free submit changes. Although I ask that you post in this thread so I know what changes are being made.

Here’s the link: h*tp://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B076ltIv-IH-N2YzYWNiNTgtZDVlMS00NDJkLWE2ZmYtMWZmZGQ4Yjg2Y2Ux&hl=en_US

It’s a Word document. The documentation is currently 17 pages (plus 1 page for table of contents). For some reason Google reads it as 16 pages. Not sure why (first time using Google Docs). Once I’m done with it, I will happily submit it to the community if it’s found to be useful.

I based most of it on the following (in no particular order):
1. h*tp://www.osxdeployment.com/wiki/InstaUp2Date_Guide
2. h*tp://www.coolestguyplanet.net/create-an-image-of-os-x-lion-10-7-using-instadmg/ (heavily used this since it describes how to use it for Lion!)
3. h*tp://code.google.com/p/instadmg/wiki/InstaUp2Date
4. h*tp://tiny.cc/vx8y5 (video presentation via iTunesU)
5. Documentation for InstaDMG included in svn

In some cases, I simply copied word for word from some of these sources and made some corrections accordingly to clear things up. So if it looks familiar, now you know why…..

P.S. h*tp:// should obviously be changed to get the links to work. Had to format it that way so that the board wouldn’t delete the post.

[adminMHS]

I wrote a bit on this topic in the Absolute Manage forums. Maybe you could take my article and build your own out of it – or just copy/paste the stuff if you like.

I found the method I describe there to work with Logic Studio 9 and Microsoft Remote Desktop Client. These are the only installers I tested so far.

I cannot post the URL. Stupid forum software detects “spam”. Sigh. So I used TinyURL.
http://tinyurl.com/699g7y7

I tried posting this about SEVEN times. What is up with this forum? Why make it so hard to post in here?

[Allister Banks]

Sorry its frustrating, we’ll move to something more forgiving than Geeklog asap.

Also, after I get through this round of updates, I’ll review and update bundled documentation, and update the download version available. Thanks for your patience, sharing and initiative.

Allister

[adminMHS]

I appreciate the work you guys invest into this community project. You help a lot of admins out there with the work you do. Cheers! 😀

[adminMHS]

Very nice compilation of knowledge. This documentation should be included in every download of instaDMG.

[bw38]

adminMHS that was really good stuff in that post. I included your post and the one you referenced (which is also referenced in the Installer Choices read me). I think the more examples the merrier. And glad to hear you like the draft so far.

The document is definitely longer now at 24 pgs. Daunting I know! But it’s not just a guide, it’s also documentation which will definitely be referenced more than once as newcomers get started.

I wouldn’t say it’s complete quite yet, but maybe 95% done. I’d definitely like to add more to the instaDMG.bash portion. Not sure if anyone else wants to chime in here.

[bw38]

So I’ve updated the document once again. I’d like to say it’s pretty much all I could include. Wish I had some feedback on the InstaDMG.bash stuff, but this will do I hope. It’s a 36 page document/guide/reference whatever you wish to call it. I’ll probably take a look at it one more time tomorrow for minor changes but I don’t think I’ll be adding more info unless anyone else feels like contributing. I think it contains a lot of the information that many of us have accumulated over time. I sincerely hope others find it useful. At the very least, I hope my coworkers find it somewhat useful.

I submit it to the community as a Word document. Whether it gets used or not, I’ll leave up to you guys.

[Author]

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