Boot CD

RicoS

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Anyone use Hirens Boot CD? If so, how does it compare to UBCD and is it worth creating it? Just asking!
 
Hirens boot cd is a fantastically useful tool for diagnosing and repairing computers - the only downside is that it is illegal. Personally, I wouldn't use illegal software on a customers machine; when they give you their machine they wouldn't expect any less. I used it to determine which software I should actually buy, like for instance a hard drive imaging program, I tried all the ones on Hirens before buying Acronis
 
First rule about Hirens' is don't talk about Hirens'.

It uses tons of unlicensed software but without a doubt it's the best boot cd period. I'm trying to make my own legal WinPE Hirens Replacement, although progress is almost none so far. Anyway, as iisjman07 said- I would never use it on a customers computer. I accidentaly downloaded it thinking it was legal and used it on my own back when I was trying out every boot disk I can find. Once I found out (or realized that there was commercial software in it) that it was illegal I tossed it out.
 
Cool.........I was just checking to see what other boot cd's techs are using beside UBCD........any others u guys using or recommend?
 
In addition to UBCD4WIN, I created my own custom WinPE cd with my favorite portable apps.
 
Here is every Boot Disk I own.


I also carry around with me the following OS's
  • Windows XP Home
  • Windows XP Professional 32-Bit
  • Windows XP Professional 64-Bit
  • Windows Vista Ultimate 32-Bit
  • Windows Vista Ultimate 64-Bit
  • Windows 7 Ultimate 64-Bit (I need the 32-Bit Edition...)
  • Ubuntu Desktop 32-Bit
  • Ubuntu Desktop 64-Bit
  • Ubuntu Server 32-Bit
  • Ubuntu Server 64-Bit
  • Linux Mint 32-Bit
  • Linux Mint 64-Bit
  • gOS

EDIT: Forgot to add Dr.Web LiveCD
RE-EDIT: After checking my bookmarks I also find Avira AntiVir Rescue System and INSERT to be very interesting.
 
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We only use one boot CD (UBCD4Win currently) to boot the system. However after the system is booted we run everything from a USB drive. This approach offers a few benefits such as not having to burn new CD's after each change (we add tools all the time) or after updating .dat's

The other good thing about this is that we can script certain things and write out log files since the disk it writable. The obvious downside is that anything can write to this drive but we try to limit this by making only one section writable (the one with the logs, applications are on another section)

We also format the thumb drive after each use from a standalone Linux station

We have used ubcd from usb before but ran into issues with it not wanting to boot on several machines. But the idea is nice because the operating system is on a writable media and you can install applications directly to it. There are some applications that you just cant use without installation and since the OS is on a CD/ DVD currently we cant use those applications

I would be interested in what other people are using or if they have ideas/ feedback

sjc
 
Here is every Boot Disk I own.

I also carry around with me the following OS's
  • Windows XP Home
  • Windows XP Professional 32-Bit
  • Windows XP Professional 64-Bit
  • Windows Vista Ultimate 32-Bit
  • Windows Vista Ultimate 64-Bit
  • Windows 7 Ultimate 64-Bit (I need the 32-Bit Edition...)
  • Ubuntu Desktop 32-Bit
  • Ubuntu Desktop 64-Bit
  • Ubuntu Server 32-Bit
  • Ubuntu Server 64-Bit
  • Linux Mint 32-Bit
  • Linux Mint 64-Bit
  • gOS

Is there an MSDN site that has these OS's to download or did you have to buy the retail versions of all of those?

I thought I saw a link to a Microsoft site that had all of their OS's available to download but without keys, so a client could use their own key to install in the event they lose their CD/DVD, or we need a system disk.

I maybe misinformed on this however.
 
I don't like the Windows based ones all that much. They tend to take way too long to load. UBCD and Hirens are very fast.

I use Parted Magic a lot too for partition issues, disk cloning and file transfer.
 
what is the cost of MSdart?

You can download it via a TechNet account.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/bb899442.aspx

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/enterprise/products/mdop/dart.aspx


http://www.microsoft.com/windows/enterprise/how-to-buy.aspx

Contact a licensing specialist
To acquire the latest Microsoft technology at a significant cost savings over retail products, through Volume Licensing, contact your Microsoft representative or Microsoft reseller partner. To find a Volume Licensing reseller.

In the United States, call (800) 426-9400 or visit https://solutionfinder.microsoft.com.

In Canada, call the Microsoft Resource Centre at (877) 568-2495.

Outside the United States or Canada, contact your local Microsoft subsidiary. To locate licensing information for your local subsidiary, visit http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/worldwide.aspx.

Maybe some of that proves useful.
 
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