Comparing DOS, Linux and WinPE for Deployment Solution automation environments
| Article:HOWTO1592 | | | Created: 2006-01-12 | | | Updated: 2007-05-07 | | | Article URL http://www.symantec.com/docs/HOWTO1592 |
Question
What are the pros and cons of using DOS, Linux, and WinPE as Deployment Solution automation environment?
Answer
Pros of Microsoft DOS*:
- Drivers are easier to import and modify at this time.
- Microsoft DOS has a maximum file size of 2.88 MB.
- Microsoft DOS is capable of multicasting.
Cons of Microsoft DOS:
- Microsoft DOS is significantly slower than WinPE and slightly slower than Linux in regards to imaging.
- It is unable to authenticate to multiple physical devices.
- Altiris does not support DOS authenticating to a domain.
- It is a command line interface only.
- It may not support the most current drivers .
- It may not support new NIC devices.
Pros of Fedora Linux*:
- It is capable of authenticating to a domain.
- It is slightly faster than Microsoft DOS in regards to imaging.
Cons of Fedora Linux:
- It is more difficult to set up and to use currently.
- It is a command line interface only.
Pros of WinPE*:
- WinPE is significantly faster than Linux or DOS in regards to imaging.
- WinPE is capable of authenticating to a domain.
- WinPE is capable of authenticating to multiple physical devices.
Cons of WinPE:
- WinPE is not capable of receiving the PXE boot file via multicasting.
- WinPE takes longer to receive the PXE boot file (130 MB vs. 1.44 or 2.88 MB).
- WinPE is more difficult to install and configure currently.
Legacy ID
17890
Article URL http://www.symantec.com/docs/HOWTO1592
Terms of use for this information are found in Legal Notices









Thank you.