Slipstream (computing)
Encyclopedia
In computer jargon
, to slipstream updates, patches
or service pack
s means to integrate them into the installation
files of their original software, so that the resulting files will allow a direct installation of the updated software.
If not directly supported by the software vendor, slipstreaming can be technically possible, depending on the updates, the structure and type of the program to be slipstreamed and of its installer, if any.
In Windows
environments, it is common for system administrator
s to make slipstreamed installation sources of the operating system available on network shares. That greatly simplifies deployment
for new installations. Microsoft also usually allows ordering slipstreamed CDs from their website. Newer versions of Microsoft products usually come either already slipstreamed or with a separate CD holding some updates.
Slipstreaming can save time and money. It is possible to add service pack
s and other updates and patches to the install source, as well as extra drivers. In a Windows environment, slipstreaming all needed drivers onto the install source will save time downloading them from the Internet. However, if newer drivers are available then a new install source would be needed. It also involves more work initially, but can save time later on in reinstallation terms. This is especially significant for administrators that have to manage a large number of computers, where the default case for installing an operating system on each computer would be to use the original media and then update each computer after the installation was complete, as opposed to using a more up-to-date (slipstreamed) source, and having to download/install a minimal number of updates.
Adding patches to the install source is also another time saver. However, not all (Windows) patches can be applied in this fashion and one disadvantage is that if it is discovered that a certain patch is responsible for later problems, said patch cannot be removed without using an original, non-slipstreamed install CD. Online instructions for this way of doing things emphasise the use of virtual PC environments (such as VMware Workstation
or VirtualBox
) for testing, as the end user often gets no support from the program manufacturer for using these "homemade" CDs.
Using slipstreamed OS CDs (e.g. XP Pro) can avoid installation errors caused by drivers and hardware components.
Jargon
Jargon is terminology which is especially defined in relationship to a specific activity, profession, group, or event. The philosophe Condillac observed in 1782 that "Every science requires a special language because every science has its own ideas." As a rationalist member of the Enlightenment he...
, to slipstream updates, patches
Patch (computing)
A patch is a piece of software designed to fix problems with, or update a computer program or its supporting data. This includes fixing security vulnerabilities and other bugs, and improving the usability or performance...
or service pack
Service pack
A service pack is a collection of updates, fixes or enhancements to a software program delivered in the form of a single installable package. Many companies, such as Microsoft or Autodesk, typically release a service pack when the number of individual patches to a given program reaches a certain ...
s means to integrate them into the installation
Installation (computer programs)
Installation of a program is the act of putting the program onto a computer system so that it can be executed....
files of their original software, so that the resulting files will allow a direct installation of the updated software.
If not directly supported by the software vendor, slipstreaming can be technically possible, depending on the updates, the structure and type of the program to be slipstreamed and of its installer, if any.
In Windows
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
environments, it is common for system administrator
System administrator
A system administrator, IT systems administrator, systems administrator, or sysadmin is a person employed to maintain and operate a computer system and/or network...
s to make slipstreamed installation sources of the operating system available on network shares. That greatly simplifies deployment
Software deployment
Software deployment is all of the activities that make a software system available for use.The general deployment process consists of several interrelated activities with possible transitions between them. These activities can occur at the producer site or at the consumer site or both...
for new installations. Microsoft also usually allows ordering slipstreamed CDs from their website. Newer versions of Microsoft products usually come either already slipstreamed or with a separate CD holding some updates.
Slipstreaming can save time and money. It is possible to add service pack
Service pack
A service pack is a collection of updates, fixes or enhancements to a software program delivered in the form of a single installable package. Many companies, such as Microsoft or Autodesk, typically release a service pack when the number of individual patches to a given program reaches a certain ...
s and other updates and patches to the install source, as well as extra drivers. In a Windows environment, slipstreaming all needed drivers onto the install source will save time downloading them from the Internet. However, if newer drivers are available then a new install source would be needed. It also involves more work initially, but can save time later on in reinstallation terms. This is especially significant for administrators that have to manage a large number of computers, where the default case for installing an operating system on each computer would be to use the original media and then update each computer after the installation was complete, as opposed to using a more up-to-date (slipstreamed) source, and having to download/install a minimal number of updates.
Adding patches to the install source is also another time saver. However, not all (Windows) patches can be applied in this fashion and one disadvantage is that if it is discovered that a certain patch is responsible for later problems, said patch cannot be removed without using an original, non-slipstreamed install CD. Online instructions for this way of doing things emphasise the use of virtual PC environments (such as VMware Workstation
VMware Workstation
VMware Workstation is a virtual machine software suite for x86 and x86-64 computers from VMware, a division of EMC Corporation, which allows users to set up multiple x86 and x86-64 virtual machines and use one or more of these virtual machines simultaneously with the hosting operating system...
or VirtualBox
VirtualBox
Oracle VM VirtualBox is an x86 virtualization software package, originally created by software company Innotek GmbH, purchased by Sun Microsystems, and now developed by Oracle Corporation as part of its family of virtualization products...
) for testing, as the end user often gets no support from the program manufacturer for using these "homemade" CDs.
Using slipstreamed OS CDs (e.g. XP Pro) can avoid installation errors caused by drivers and hardware components.
Windows-specific
- Build an XP SP3 Recovery Disc - From pcmag.com/
- Automatically Slipstream Windows XP with SP3 and All Post-SP3 Security Hotfixes with a Single Command - From smithii.com
- How to slipstream Windows XP with SP3 - From HelpWithWindows.com
- Installing SP1 and updates with Windows Server 2003 - Microsoft Article about integration of Service Packs and hotfixes into Windows Server 2003
- Slipstream Windows Vista Service Pack 1 - From HelpWithWindows.com
- Slipstreaming Windows XP with Service Pack 3 (SP3) From Paul ThurrottPaul ThurrottPaul Brian Thurrott is a technology reporter, published author, podcaster, and the news editor for Windows IT Pro magazine...
's SuperSite for Windows for slipstreaming to Windows SP3.