Method and system for client/server and peer-to-peer disk imaging

Abstract

A method and system for imaging data between two or more digital computers across a computer network is described, where the digital computers transfer data in a peer-to-peer mode and/or a client/server mode upon command of the operator. This invention address the problem of managing, updating and installing executable software, such as operating systems, utilities and application software packages on a large number of networked computer systems. By using this invention properly, a system operator can transfer data stored on a single computer system to all or some of the computer system connected to the first system over a computer network and can do so without expensive electronic server equipment. Moreover, this invention provides the capability of transferring data as files, sectors or cylinders of disk media, thereby permitting a single operator to, through a generally automated procedure, simultaneously install new system software, configuration files and executive files on many computers. This invention provides an important improvement in the operation, maintenance and control of large computer networks, although it applies and works equally well in small network applications. In its best mode of operation this invention is performed on standard digital computer systems through the use of special purpose computer software.