A mechanism is provided for use with a set of images including a first image, with each image of the set of images respectively representing a computer and respectively including software and configuration settings data. The mechanism deploys a plurality of first image instantiations of the first image for respective use by a plurality of users. The mechanism tracks use of the plurality of first image instantiations to create a historical usage data set indicative of how the plurality of users are customizing the plurality of first image instantiations.