Configurations are collections of an OS, software packages, and printer and other settings. Configurations are deployed to workstations through an imaging process. However, unlike normal imaging, configurations are installed in a layered fashion, which lets admins dynamically add or remove parts of the configuration without requiring a complete rebuild of the image.

A configuration MUST include an OS image; other components are optional.

There are two types of configurations:

• Standard Configurations
• Smart Configurations

Standard Configurations

In most cases, Standard Configurations contain only the base Operating System and essential software that you plan on deploying to all of the computers in your environment. For example, OS X, Microsoft Office, Antivirus, Identity Finder, and plugins such as Java, Flash, Silverlight, etc.

1. Launch Casper Admin (from the Casper Suite folder) and log in with your NetID and password.
   
2. On the toolbar, click New Config. An Edit Configuration dialog box will open with the General tab displayed.
   
3. Enter a Configuration Name and Description.
4. Make sure Standard Configuration is selected.
5. Click the Management tab.
   
6. Check Ensure computers imaged with this configuration are enrolled.
7. Enter a Username and Password (twice). While these are essentially "throw-away" credentials, we have suggestions on selecting a consistent username that will come in handy.
8. Check Create this account if it does not exist.
9. Check Hide this account from the Mac OS X login window.
10. Click OK. You'll see the new configuration in the left column of the Casper Admin tool.
    
11. Drag OS and/or software items from your Repository, dropping them on the configuration folder in the left column.
12. When done, from Casper's File menu, select Save.

Smart Configurations

Smart Configurations are a quick way to set up several similar configurations, each based on a Standard Configuration with variations. For example, if a Standard Configuration includes your OS and essential software, you might then create one Smart Configuration that includes the Standard Configuration plus video editing software, and another that includes the Standard Configuration plus scripting tools, and so on.

1. Launch Casper Admin (from the Casper Suite folder) and log in with your NetID and password.
   
2. On the toolbar, click New Config. An Edit Configuration dialog box will open with the General tab displayed.
   
3. Enter a Configuration Name and Description.
4. Make sure Smart Configuration is selected.
5. For Parent Configuration, select the Standard Configuration you want to use as the base configuration. All of the components of the Standard Configuration will be included in your new Smart Configuration.
6. Click OK. You'll see the new configuration in the left column of the Casper Admin tool, listed under the Standard (Parent) Configuration.
   
7. Drag software items from your Repository, dropping them on the configuration folder in the left column.
8. When done, from Casper's File menu, select Save.