The rules for NetInstall images for multiple Mac models

A recent Apple support note spells out the installation rules for creating a NetBoot and NetInstall image that applies to multiple Macs.

For Mac OS X Server, managers can use a retail shrinkwrapped box to make a NetBoot and NetInstall image for multiple Macs. But will it work on all of them? Depends.

The primary rule is to not install an earlier version of Mac OS than what the computer shipped with. This verification and practice appears easy for older Macs but may become cloudy with newer models. Apple says to use the discs that shipped with a Mac that hasn't been superseded by a retail package.

For example, the current retail package of Snow Leopard is older than the latest round of MacBook Pros, which shipped with Mac OS X 10.6.3. Here's the list of OS builds included with Intel-based Macs.

However, when you're dealing with PowerPC Macs, it's useful to check the OS Version and Build Number in About This Mac under the Apple Menu icon. According to the PPC build list, some of these machines are supported by specific Mac OS X builds, such as some members of the Power Mac G5 family.