Modify the master image once → all labs update automatically · incremental differences · use while downloading · resume from breakpoint · no class suspension
IDV / vDisk cloud desktop 'one-image unified management': installing software, applying patches, or changing courseware only requires modifying the master disk image once, then distributing it to the entire computer lab. This article explains, in the order of actual operations, the complete process of vDisk image updates, incremental differences and breakpoint resumption mechanisms, as well as how to schedule unattended updates and how to roll back if problems occur.
IDV / vDisk adopts the 'one master disk image → shared by entire lab' model; the essence of updates isChange master image, send differences。
Master Image (Base Layer):The entire lab shares the same read-only master disk. Installing software, applying patches, changing wallpapers/courseware—all are done by modifying the master disk once.
Incremental difference update:When saving the master image, only generate 'difference blocks from the previous version'; during distribution,Only transmit changed parts, no need to re-push the entire disk; an update of several GB may transmit only a few hundred MB.
Use while downloading + resume from breakpoint:Terminals receive the new version while continuing normal class use; cached content is read locally. After shutdown / power loss / reboot, automaticallyResume transferDoes not clear and restart, does not damage the current image.
Version snapshot:Each update generates a new version; old versions are retained, allowing forOne-Click RollbackTo the previous stable version.
Standard 6-step process: modify the master image once, and the entire lab updates automatically.
In the web management backend, select the master disk image to update, set it to "Edit / Writable" mode, and assign a terminal (or a backend virtual machine) toWritable modeBoot the master image. Any changes made to the system at this point will be written to the master image.
Just like operating a regular computer: install/uninstall software, apply OS and antivirus patches, update courseware and exam environments, change wallpapers and policies. It is recommended to complete all changes needed for the current round at once to reduce the number of update versions. After making changes,Normal shutdown(Do not force power off).
The backend 'submits/archives' the master image as a new version, calculated automatically by the system.Difference blocks from previous versionand generate an incremental. Only the changed parts are archived; a software update of several gigabytes often produces only a few hundred megabytes of incremental data. It is recommended to add a note to the version (e.g., '0701 Install Office + Patches') for easy rollback and location.
Specify the range of terminals to update (by lab / group / all), select distribution method: default BT seeding peer-to-peer, the more machines, the faster the transfer, with a much higher success rate than chain/broadcast transmission. You can set "use while downloading" to let terminals start class while receiving, or schedule a unified overnight distribution.
First only forOne or two unitsDeploy new versions to a terminal first; confirm that software, peripherals, teaching, and restoration all work normally, then push to all. Avoids individual compatibility issues affecting the entire lab.
After successful gray release, deploy fully; terminals switch to the new version upon next reboot. If issues are found, revert the boot version for that group of terminals in the backend.Revert to previous snapshotOne-click rollback, no reinstallation required.
Only transmit changed blocks from the previous version, not the entire disk, greatly saving time and bandwidth.
Terminals receive new versions while classes run normally; cache hits mean local reads, no class interruption.
Automatic resume after shutdown / power loss / reboot, does not clear and restart, does not damage the current image.
The more machines, the faster the transfer, success rate far higher than the 0-speed serial chain/broadcast of traditional methods.
Standard cron scheduled tasks, arranged for automatic distribution and power on/off at night, the next day boots into the new version.
Version snapshots are retained; in case of anomalies, simply switch the terminal's boot version back to the previous stable version, no reinstallation needed.
For computer rooms with tight schedules and inconvenient daytime updates, we recommend usingScheduled taskSchedule updates for night:
No. The master image is a shared, read-only base layer; student data resides in an independent personal data layer/network disk. Updating the master image only replaces the base system layer, and personal data is preserved independently.
Not needed. Supports use-while-downloading, terminals receive the new version while continuing class as usual; distribution can also be scheduled for overnight timed delivery, with no impact during the day.
No. V5 supports resumable transfer; after a power outage or reboot, it automatically resumes from the interruption point without damaging the currently used image version.
One-click rollback. Each update generates a version snapshot, with old versions retained. In the backend, simply switch the boot version of the corresponding terminal back to the previous stable snapshot—no reinstallation required.
No. By default, it uses BT seeding for peer-to-peer transfer; more machines mean faster transfer and much higher success rates than chain/broadcast transmission. Combined with incremental differences, only changed parts are transmitted.
Yes. x86 and domestic (Kunpeng / Phytium / UOS / Kylin) terminals are managed in the same backend, with corresponding image versions distributed to groups based on their architecture.
Want to see the actual operation of vDisk image updates? Fill in your information, and the pre-sales team will remotely demonstrate the entire process of master image updates, incremental distribution, and rollback, and provide software access details. Self-service QR code registration, renewable three times, unlimited number of endpoints.