Virtual Machine Software Installation via Master Image Copying
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cloud computing scenarios, the installation of application software on virtual machines is complex and difficult due to the need for pre-installed browser or client tools, requiring advanced IT knowledge and leading to inefficiencies, especially when dealing with multiple virtual machines.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for creating and installing application software packages that mount virtual machine data as a local file system disk, update registry files, and modify file structures based on change records, eliminating the need for pre-installed tools and simplifying the installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual installation methods are used in virtual machines, then users can install application software, but the operation complexity and implementation difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a master virtual machine with the application software pre-installed and configured. This master VM's system state (registry, files, configurations) is captured and copied to generate installation packages. These packages can then be deployed to multiple student virtual machines without requiring manual installation steps, thus simplifying the installation process while reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs all installation and configuration actions in advance on a master virtual machine before deployment. The application software is installed, configured, and tested on the master VM, and its system state is captured. This preliminary action eliminates the need for users to perform complex installation steps on each individual VM, significantly improving ease of operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If pre-installed browser or client tools are required, then application software can be downloaded and installed, but the implementation difficulty increases for users without IT knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the application software installation process with the virtual machine deployment process itself. Instead of requiring separate browser or client tools for downloading and installing software, the installation package is integrated into the VM image during creation. The software, its dependencies, and configuration are all bundled together, eliminating the need for users to have IT knowledge or use additional tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The complete system state of the master VM including the application software is copied to student VMs. This copying process captures all necessary components (registry entries, system files, configurations) in a single package that can be deployed directly without requiring users to manually install anything, thus reducing skill requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple virtual machines require individual installation, then each VM can have customized software, but the installation time and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the installation process into two distinct phases: (1) Master VM preparation phase where software is installed and configured once, and (2) Student VM deployment phase where the pre-configured system state is rapidly copied to multiple VMs. This segmentation allows customization to be achieved in the master VM while maintaining high deployment efficiency through automated copying, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
All software installation and customization actions are performed in advance on the master virtual machine. The system state capturing process records all configurations, registry entries, and file structures. When deploying to multiple student VMs, this pre-prepared configuration is rapidly replicated, enabling customized software deployment across multiple machines without repeating the installation process, thus significantly improving installation efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An application software installation method and an application software installation apparatus are used to solve problems of operation complexity and high implementation difficulty in an existing installation process of application software. The method includes: mounting mirror data of a virtual machine, and mapping the mirror data as one virtual disk in a local file system; updating a registry file in a virtual disk according to registry change record data in an application software package; and updating a file structure in the virtual disk according to the file change record data and the file in the application software package, thereby implementing installation of the application software in the virtual machine. In the process of installing the application software, a user of the virtual machine does not need to perform complex operations, thereby reducing software installation difficulty.