Ccboot Image Link

This report examines the role of image linking and management within CCBoot, a leading diskless boot system used globally by internet cafes and schools. By centralizing operating system images on a server, CCBoot allows client PCs to boot without local hard drives, ensuring a "fresh install" experience after every reboot. Core Concepts of CCBoot Image Linking

Image linking in CCBoot refers to the process of connecting a virtual disk file (typically .VHD) to one or more client computers on a network.

Master Image Creation: Administrators create a "master" image by installing an OS and drivers on one client, then uploading it to the CCBoot server.

Centralized Assignment: In the Image Manager, images are added and then "linked" to specific client PCs through the client property settings. ccboot image link

Multi-Boot Support: A single client can be linked to multiple images (e.g., Windows 7 and Windows 10), allowing users to choose their preferred OS from a boot menu. Advanced Features & Efficiency

CCBoot leverages unique technologies to optimize how these linked images perform across a network: CCBootCloud : How to upload an image

2. The Mechanics of Write-Cache and Image Links

The most critical aspect of an Image Link is how it handles write operations. This report examines the role of image linking

• Read Operations: When a client opens a game, it reads the game files from the Master Image via the Image Link. This is efficient because multiple clients can read the same data simultaneously.
• Write Operations: If Client A saves a file to the desktop or modifies a setting, the Image Link prevents this change from writing back to the Master Image. If it did, every other computer on the network would see Client A’s personal files.

Instead, CCBoot uses a Write-Back mechanism.

• RAM Cache: By default, CCBoot caches writes into the server’s RAM.
• SSD Cache: If the RAM fills up, data is written to a temporary folder on the server's SSD.

When a client using an Image Link restarts, the "Write-Back" data is discarded. The system reverts instantly to the pristine state defined by the Master Image. This is why diskless systems are virus-proof and maintenance-free—every reboot is a fresh install.

What Is a CCBoot Image Link?

An image link in CCBoot is a reference—a logical or file-based pointer—that associates a client machine with a specific operating system image stored on the CCBoot server. Instead of each client having its own physical hard drive, the server hosts one or master images (e.g., Windows 10, Windows 11). Each client then links to one of these images via an image link configuration. Read Operations: When a client opens a game,

Automated Image Link Backup (Using Command Line)

CcBoot does not have a GUI backup, but you can use a batch script:

@echo off
net stop ccbootservice
xcopy D:\CCBOOT\Image\*.img E:\CCBOOT_Backup\ /E /Y
xcopy D:\CCBOOT\Config\*.mdb E:\CCBOOT_Backup\Config\ /Y
net start ccbootservice
echo Image link registry backed up at %date% >> backup.log

What to restore: If you lose the image link, restore the .img files AND the clients.mdb (Microsoft Access database) file. The database stores the MAC-to-Image links.

3. Types of Image Links in CCBoot

While the term "Image Link" is general, the implementation can vary based on the version of CCBoot and the specific needs of the network.

A. Standard Image Link This is the default setting for game clients. It connects the client to the Master Image in "Read-Only" mode. The client sees the image as a physical drive but cannot permanently alter it. This is ideal for standard gaming or work stations where users should not be able to permanently alter the system.

B. Super Client / Write-Back Link This is a special mode often used during the maintenance phase. When you need to update games or install new software on the Master Image, you designate one client PC (or a specific user account) as a "Super Client."

• The "Super Client" connects to the image with Write privileges.
• Changes made here are written back to the Master Image file permanently.
• Once maintenance is done, you revert the client back to a standard Image Link so it reads from the newly updated Master Image.