macOS workstation deployment

  1. macOS installers for several versions are available for network boot on Noether. Most workstations can boot off these simply by plugging in an ethernet cable and holding down Option while powering on. (Note: This does not work for macOS versions after High Sierra, because Apple dropped support for it. The best way to boot recent installers is via USB key.)
  2. After the OS is installed, open System Preferences, Sharing and set the machine's hostname. This is important because it will identify the machine in Profile Manager and Munki.
  3. Using Safari on the new machine, browse to https://noether.math.ucsb.edu/ and click My Devices. Enroll the device. (If this is a reinstall you may want to delete the old device record in Profile Manager, first.)
  4. Navigate to Profile Manager on noether, and add the machine to the appropriate management group. This will automatically assign it to the correct Munki manifest.
  5. Install munkitools. Reboot.
  6. Open Applications, Managed Software Center. Click "Software" in the toolbar and add any optional packages the machine needs, then click the "Updates" tab and install the software and updates offered. These are governed by Munki manifests -- see MacSoftwareManagement.
  7. Install the Bacula client -- see BaculaMacOS.
  8. Install any additional software not managed by Munki -- e.g., Matlab.
  9. Create the user account for the workstation's primary user, using System Preferences, Users & Groups.
  10. Add any needed printers -- see DepartmentPrinterSetup. Note that Munki should automatically install the Ricoh driver.
  11. Assign the machine an IP address, either manually or by creating a static DHCP lease on Self-help.