Chapter 2: MetaFrame Installation Process

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It may sound like a clich…, but planning really is the key to successful installations. Without suitable hardware and software, an installation may fail, or even worse, you could end up with an unstable system. Selecting your hardware is especially critical. Making the wrong choices can wreak all sorts of havoc. In the real world, there's little time for mistakes. Therefore, taking the time to check system requirements and carefully plan your installation is crucial.

Pre-installation Tips

Here are a few tips that, if followed, can save you time and stress during your installation.

1. Before you begin the installation, read the documentation that accompanies the software or operating system. Find out what is required and what decisions you may need to make during the installation. Remember to check the Microsoft Hardware Compatibility List (HCL); it's also a good idea to check the knowledge bases of both Microsoft and Citrix for new, platform-specific issues. It may influence which hardware you decide to use. The HCL can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/hcl/ and at Citrix's Web site, http://www.Citrix.com.

2. Analyze your existing systems and collect your data. See what you have to work with and what you may need to do before beginning the installation. Check the hardware manufacturer's and software vendor's Web sites, downloading any BIOS updates, service packs, or upgrades that might be needed-even for your new hardware.

3. Make sure you have all the required drivers for the various hardware components such as Basic Input/Output System (BIOS), Network Interface Cards (NICs), Redundant Arrays of Inexpensive Disks (RAID) controllers, and video before you begin.

4. Prepare and test your hardware. If installing new servers, check each one to make sure that cards are seated well, shipping protection has been removed, and all components are as they should be. Before installing the software, turn on the power and run any diagnostics provided by the vendor. By taking a step-by-step approach, you'll find you have fewer problems and a far more stable system.

To keep things simple, consider purchasing all your equipment from the same vendor and have it configured identically. Make sure the components that make up your servers are identical as well. If you are implementing multiple servers, you will appreciate the time saved on configuration issues. With the right equipment and proper planning, you can eliminate many of the obstacles faced when implementing or upgrading your systems.

On The Job 

Don't forget that user education is an extremely important aspect in moving from a traditional networked environment to a server-based one. When planning your deployment, make sure that user-training sessions are taken into account. This, more than anything else, will reduce the number of administration and support problems after deployment.

Sizing your server is an equally important issue, especially in a server-based computing scenario. Since the server, not the workstation, does all the processing, it is essential to have adequate resources and applications for the number of users you will support. An underpowered server will not advance the idea of a server-based, thin client environment.

The following sections outline the hardware and software specifications required for a successful installation of MetaFrame XP. Keep in mind that these are the bare minimums for the installation. Later, in the section on planning and sizing, we will discuss real-world implementations and what resources are needed for optimal performance.

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