Abstract: Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to image distribution. In aspects, portions of an installation image of an operating system may be distributed to one or more repositories. In conjunction with determining a distribution of the installation image, one or more factors may be received. Based on the factor(s), a distribution manager may determine one or more repositories over which the data of the installation image is to be distributed. An indication of this distribution may be persisted for use in obtaining the data from the one or more repositories for installing, configuring, and/or re-configuring the operating system.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to operating system experience states. Input may be received that requests a change from a current experience state to a target experience state. In response, state data may be obtained that indicates allowed experience states as well as component data that indicates components and relationships between components in the target experience state. This state data may then be used to change from the current experience state to a target experience state. The target experience state may be used, for example, to configure a server or other operating system.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to image distribution. In aspects, portions of an installation image of an operating system may be distributed to one or more repositories. In conjunction with determining a distribution of the installation image, one or more factors may be received. Based on the factor(s), a distribution manager may determine one or more repositories over which the data of the installation image is to be distributed. An indication of this distribution may be persisted for use in obtaining the data from the one or more repositories for installing, configuring, and/or re-configuring the operating system.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to operating system experience states. Input may be received that requests a change from a current experience state to a target experience state. In response, state data may be obtained that indicates allowed experience states as well as component data that indicates components and relationships between components in the target experience state. This state data may then be used to change from the current experience state to a target experience state. The target experience state may be used, for example, to configure a server or other operating system.