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Pre-OS software, included with MBA, enables a PC to download and execute
centrally-administered desktop management agents from a network server prior
to actually loading the client operating system from the local hard drive. This is
accomplished by the PC remotebooting using any of the MBA protocols except
RPL. After loading and executing the remote operating system, agents and other
software, the PC can exit the Pre-OS boot and boot from its local hard disk.
F
IGURE
8: H
OW
P
RE
-OS
WORKS
Agents from the popular desktop management applications could perform a
variety of tasks including:
Initial installation of the operating system and applications to the PC hard
drive (including initial formatting and partitioning if required)
Scanning for and eradicating local hard disk viruses
Searching the hard disk for file system inconsistencies. If critical
components are missing or damaged, they can be retrieved and replaced;
alternatively, the desktop management software allows an administrator to
perform a remote rescue by examining the crippled client environment and
fixing it from their management console
Updating outdated drivers found on the client hard drive with newer ones
located on the file server
Scanning for changes in PC hardware and software components, and
logging them centrally
Once all desktop management agents complete execution the PC continues
booting as usual from its local hard drive. No user awareness or intervention is
required.
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