System for managing the configuration of multiple computer devices

A system for managing the configuration of multiple computer devices over a network is provided in which each of the computer devices has memory for storing local configuration information and is configurable in accordance with its stored local configuration information. A file server in the system is connectable to each of the computer devices via the network. The file server has memory storing master configuration information for each of the computer devices. Each of the computer devices periodically connects via the network to the file server to provide a connected computer device. The connected computer device compares data characterizing its master configuration information at the file server with data characterizing its local configuration information to determine if its master and local configuration information are different. When one or more components of the master configuration information are determined different, such components are transferred from the file server to the connected computer device. The connected computer device revises its configuration in accordance with the transferred master configuration information. The computer devices may be part of a network system where such computer devices inter-operate with each other. This network system is properly configured for inter-operation when the local configuration information at each of the computer devices corresponds to their respective master configuration information at the file server. Local configuration information may be changed at the computer device, such changes are sent to the file server for review to determine whether to revise the master configuration in accordance with such changes.