https://github.com/olafwrieden/mac-installer

Mac Installer is a purpose-built utility for automating BYOD installations in schools.
https://github.com/olafwrieden/mac-installer

automation byod installer macos school-systems

Last synced: 9 months ago
JSON representation

Mac Installer is a purpose-built utility for automating BYOD installations in schools.

• Host: GitHub
• URL: https://github.com/olafwrieden/mac-installer
• Owner: olafwrieden
• Created: 2019-06-20T05:10:54.000Z (about 7 years ago)
• Default Branch: master
• Last Pushed: 2019-06-27T11:07:06.000Z (about 7 years ago)
• Last Synced: 2025-10-10T11:32:24.190Z (9 months ago)
• Topics: automation, byod, installer, macos, school-systems
• Language: AppleScript
• Homepage: https://www.macinstaller.com
• Size: 3.87 MB
• Stars: 0
• Watchers: 0
• Forks: 0
• Open Issues: 0
• Metadata Files:
  • Readme: README.md

Awesome Lists containing this project

README

          
# Mac Installer

#### What is it?

Using powerful automation, Mac Installer is a portable macOS app, which installs, configures and audits new or existing macs in a matter of minutes. Setting up or maintaining macs can be a tedious task. Why spend precious time looking for critical settings when it can all be collated in one place?

#### From Problem to Inspiration

The Mac Installer originated from the need to configure BYOD Macs in a school environment. Unlike domain controlled macs, BYOD devices are user-owned and vary in compatibility, setting them up with the required software packages had always been a lengthy task, extended by the need to tweak them for productivity and network requirements.

I coded Mac Installer to eliminate the need for hundreds of mouse clicks and Terminal commands just to "get it right". From a technician's perspective, Mac Installer reveals critical (and hidden) preferences all in one place, making the task easier than ever before to maintain consistency. It's automated software installation process allows autonomous installation of virtually any app solely by the installation files you provide.

A tool advanced enough for technicians, yet simple enough to be user friendly, did not exist. Let alone one to set up user-owned devices. So (over several months) I researched, developed, and programmed it - and it saves a lot of time.

## App Overview

#### Launch Screen

The *Launch Screen* is the very first view presented to the user.

![Launch Screen](/screenshots/launch-screen.png)

#### Step-by-Step Customisation

Mac Installer features customised control over the setup process.

App Installer | Desktop Settings

:-------------------------:|:-------------------------:

![App Installer](/screenshots/app-installer.png)  |  ![Desktop Settings](/screenshots/desktop-settings.png)

Finder Preferences | Dock Settings

:-------------------------:|:-------------------------:

![Finder Preferences](/screenshots/finder-settings.png)  |  ![Dock Settings](/screenshots/dock-settings.png)

Certificates | Directory Binding

:-------------------------:|:-------------------------:

![Certificates](/screenshots/certificates.png)  |  ![Directory Binding](/screenshots/directory-binding.png)

Browser Configuration | App Store Apps

:-------------------------:|:-------------------------:

![Browser Configuration](/screenshots/browser-setup.png)  |  ![App Store Apps](/screenshots/app-store.png)

#### Device Info and Auditing

View key system information about the current mac and export it, in various level of detail, to your USB drive on-the-go.

![Info and Auditing](/screenshots/device-info.png)

#### Adjust Advanced Settings

Many of the Mac's advanced, and often hard-to-find settings have been collated into the application.

![Advanced Settings](/screenshots/advanced-options.png)

## Product Licencing

#### [Mac Installer Basic](https://macinstaller.com/software/mac-installer-2019-basic.html)

Single License, designed for the one-man-team. During the initial registration process, Mac Installer is licensed to 1 USB drive of your choosing (can be changed later). Once registered, you can only launch Mac Installer from that USB drive. Cloning the license to additional drives (e.g. to support multiple field technicians) is a feature of the Professional Edition.

#### [Mac Installer Professional](https://macinstaller.com/software/mac-installer-2019-pro.html)

The fully featured and unrestricted Mac Installer which can be launched from any location (incl. Network Shares) to serve larger campuses or repair shops. In multi-user / team environments, Mac Installer allows each member (e.g. technician) to have their own USB key using the same Professional license key (in-house distribution).

#### Key Difference

  

    

      

        Feature

      

      

        Mac Installer Basic

      

      

        Mac Installer Pro

      

    

    

      

        Subscription Based

      

      YES

      YES

    

    

      

        Device Configuration Tools

      

      YES

      YES

    

    

      

        Troubleshooting Tools

      

      YES

      YES

    

    

      

        System Auditing

      

      YES

      YES

    

    

      

        All Updates

      

      YES

      YES

    

    

      

        Multi-User License

      

      -

      YES

    

    

      

        In-House Distribution (make multiple USB keys)

      

      -

      YES

    

    

      

        Launch from Server / Network Share

      

      -

      YES

    

    

      

        Priority Support

      

      -

      YES

    

  

## Getting Started

A short guide is located on Mac Installer's official website, and can be found on the [Getting Started](https://macinstaller.com/guide.html) page.

If you are interested in how this product has evolved over time, see the [Changelog](https://macinstaller.com/changelog.html) for more information.

### See something that can be improved?

While this is not an active project of mine, I would love to hear from you. Feel free to submit a Pull Request if you can improve this repository, or open an issue should you encounter a bug. 🐞