So here goes...
- Set up your client machine as you would like it. Install apps, download updates, and set up preferences for a user as you would like.
- Once complete, restart while holding down the T key to boot the Mac into Target Disk Mode.
- Attach a FireWire cable between your server and the client machine that has been configured. You should see the main disk of the client mount on the desktop of the server.
- At this stage, you need to open Disk Utility (in Applications » Utilities). I prefer to start it using Spotlight. However, if you're working on OS X 10.5 Server, and have found Spotlight doesn't work for some reason, all you need to do is set up the Applications folder as a share, in Server Admin, and enable Spotlight on that share. Make sure the share is only visible to you as server admin.
- Once Disk Utility opens, you will see in the list of drives an Apple FireWire Target Disk. Check to make sure this is the disk you are wanting to use to create a netinstall image, as it may take some time to create depending on the size of your client machine's drive.
- In Disk Utility, click on File » New » Disk Image From disk0s2 (replace disk0s2 with your client machine's drive).
- Leave the default options set (this assumes you are using Disk Utility Version 11.1 (252.4)), which are Compressed image format and Encryption set to none.
- Find a destination to save the image and click Save.
- Now would be a good time to break out your favourite beverage and sit back and relax on the deck (lucky you if your workplace is like this).
- Once the image is complete, close Disk Utility and double-click on the image to mount it.
- Once the disk is mounted, you need to open System Image Utility. If you have installed the Server Admin Tools, make sure they are the most up-to-date version.
- When SIU loads, you should see the name of your image in the left-hand column. Single click on the image.
- Select NetInstall Image and then Continue.
- Give the NetInstall Image a name that means something to you. I suggest you do something like this: NetInstall image of MacBooks for staff 2008-12-20.
- Give your NetInstall image a description. State the operating system, the machine type, and any other details that will help you to identify what is on this image.
- Click Create.
- You will need to agree to the SLA and then provide a location for the image. The image needs to go into this folder: /Server HD » Library » NetBoot » NetBootSP0.
- SIU will now start the lengthy process of creating the NetInstall image. Be patient!
- The server is now going to use nearly all the resources it has to create the image you need. If you need an indicator of how things are going, open the above folder and watch the system.dmg image increase in size until it matches a similar size as the image you created using Disk Utility. Once again, I say be patient. Walk the dog, take a stroll on the beach, have lunch with a friend.
- Once the NetInstall image is complete, all you need to do is go into Server Admin and enable it. Make sure to set the options on the image relating to the type of system, and how it is to be distributed. I have used NFS successfully, but never tried HTTP.
My experience with SIU is that it works very well and provides consistent results. I would not consider using another tool as I have tried one that many people said was good for the job, and found it a lot more difficult to configure and make work. You just need to be prepared to wait for the image to create. Make sure you do a Disk Repair through Disk Utility after applying the image to a machine, and you will also need to give each machine a unique name in the Sharing System Preferences panel. Happy imaging!!

