You can start up a client computer from a NetBoot image by using System Preferences, or by holding down the N key when the computer starts up. You can start up a client computer from a NetInstall image by using System Preferences.
On a client computer, use Startup Disk preferences to select a NetBoot boot image.
In System Preferences, select Startup Disk.
Select the network volume to start the computer with.
Click Restart.
The globe icon appears and the computer starts from the selected image.
You can use this method to start up any supported client Mac computer from a NetBoot disk image. When you start up with the N key, the client computer starts up from the default NetBoot disk image. If multiple servers are present, the client starts up from the default image of the first server to respond.
Note: For more information about using the N key when starting a Mac computer, see its documentation. Some computers have extra capabilities.
The N key also provides a way to start up client computers that don’t have operating system software installed. See Set up diskless clients.
Start up (or restart) the client computer and hold down the N key immediately after you hear the startup tone (while the screen is still black).
You can release the N key when the globe icon appears in the center of the screen.
If a login window appears, enter your name and password.
The network disk image has an icon typical of server volumes.
On a client computer, use Startup Disk preferences to select a NetInstall image.
In System Preferences, select Startup Disk.
Select the network volume to start the computer with.
Click Restart.
The NetBoot icon appears, the computer starts from the selected image, and the installer runs.