Remotely installing software

rymus

Hi all; I'm looking for a solution to remotely install software onto a fairly modest number of client PC's (mostly windows XP, possibly some windows 2000 or 98). When I say a fairly modest number, I mean anything from 5 to 50.

The software to be loaded on the client pc consists of about 5 individual pieces of software which accesses an on-site linux server. The remote install solution doesnt have to run from the linux box though.

Anyone know of anything that'll allow me to achieve this? At the moment it's an unbelievable pain in the ass installing 5 seperate packages individually on each PC.

Static M.e.

Need more information.
Are you in a domain/workgroup or are they individuals PCs?

How big are the files/Changes?

A quick answer if your in a Domain you could publish or assign them to the Computers with a GPO policy. Fairly easy to do.

Anti

vnc !

rymus

could be either setup... workgroup or domain. More than likely workgroup where the linux box would be the only in-house server. If it was a domain, I more than likely wouldnt have access to the domain controller.

anti, surely if I used VNC, I'd still have to connect to each computer individually and install the software. Sure it'd remove the need to physically be at the PC but it'd be just as big of a pain. I want to push the software out to PC's without having to individually configure each one.

The total size of all the software is around 150mb, that consists of about 5 individual packages. Two need license numbers entered during install, two are just a matter of moving/renaming folders and the last is a fairly basic installer. Thanks for the replies lads.

Static M.e.

Cou could try creating a MSI which does all of the above in one package and place it on a share somewhere. It would at least save you DLing the package to each PC and the MSI should be able to bring all the changes together under one install.

The problem for is that most of the remote software install programs that I know of are for long term solutions most of which require agents on the PCs and/or a server config for your workplace you might be faster actually manually installing the software.

You could try writing up an Install guide and trying to get the users to do it?.. or worst case get two friends in at the weekend and run off the install quickly between you :?

Static M.e.

Just saw this, it might help you

http://www.microsoft.com/systemcenter/sce/default.mspx

Essentials 2007 simplifies complex management tasks like packaging and deploying software, adding Web site monitoring, and creating and configuring Group Policy. Essentials 2007 wizards also help you quickly and easily configure security settings, deploy updates, and discover assets.

Its in Beta so you could get it for free, deploy packages and remove

calex71

are the users set up as local admins on the pc's?