OK, Anne. The "machine specific" stuff is part of the machine, and replacing the software with a common image isn't going to change that.
So, here's what I'd suggest: set up your "standard" disk as you want it -- base accounts, applications, etc. Make sure it's as desired.
Then, use SuperDuper! to make a DMG of that image. Normally, I wouldn't suggest a DMG, but because you're going to be restoring to a large number of machines, the time you're spending up front will be made up by the number of restorations. Note: if you're running Panther 10.3.9, this won't work, but it will with 10.3.8, which you indicated you're using.
Once the DMG is created, you'll take each lab computer and:
- Put it into FireWire target disk mode (power on with T held down)
- Connect it to the powerbook that has the image
- Use SuperDuper! to restore the image to the computer
- Eject the computer
- Shut it down, then Option-boot to select (and test/customize) the restoration
- Head to the next one and repeat
It shouldn't be too bad, and because the image can be "block copied", each individual restore will go quite quickly.
Let me know if that works, and how well!
