Question : Software solutions for imaging a computer lab

I manage 2 computer labs at a School.  By Christmas, the computers start slowing down and could use a reinstall.  I heard that using vmware, you could create virtual desktops and when things start getting sluggish and corrupt, you just delete the desktop and create another one.  Is it that easy?  They all have sata hard drives.  Usually I use either Seagate's software or Western digital Lifeguard tools to image the harddrives but that involves pulling the harddrive out of each machine.  I am looking for an easier solution.  Any suggestions?

Answer : Software solutions for imaging a computer lab

Yes, it is that easy.  With some of the Vmware products you can even discard changes made to the Virtual Machine.  I suggest trying out Vmware Workstation with the free product evaluation.
Vmware offers a few products that will help make your life easier.  The key is deciding which product is the best fit for your problem and wallet.  The VSX Servers make it more convenient but if budget is an issue, you have another option.  

Create your Vmware images with VMware Workstation, one license required.
Copy the Vmware image files to each of the workstations in your lab.
Install Vmware Player (free) on each workstation in your lab.
If you need a fresh install, just delete the Vmware Image files and replace them with the fresh VM Image files.
You will have to change the Computer Name on the VMware image on each computer you run it on to avoid computer name conflicts.

You should consult a Vmware Consultant for the solution that suits you best and for licensing verifications.

If the cheaper solution sounds attractive, you should also look at a similar product: Microsoft Virtual PC 2007, it is free.