NT Software that will push out updates?

Enterprise client/server Antivirus software are capable of being pushed via the logon scripts. I am partial to Norton, but Inoculan does a better job at getting it's master updates automatically.

For generic software distribution, the best software on the market, and not very expensive, is Veritas WinInstall. I've used this product for 6 years now....

As Answer 2 points out, you can download dat file and placed it on shared directory and configure users for auto update from your server for those users who dont have Internet connection. Those who have Internet access, you can configure to autoupdate at certain interval from your antivirus software FTP site.

Finally, it is always suitable to autoupdate users during off-peak hours so as not to add network traffic on your Intranet/Internet.

Like Answer #1, I'm partial to Norton (haven't used Inoculan) because it allows you to push the updates via either a login script or (if you have NT workstations and get their Enterprise version) across the LAN without user intervention at all. I don't like LiveUpdate or using a common folder because both of these depend upon the user doing something - either clicking an OK button (instead of Cancel) or going to a folder and running an update file. Even though those seem to be easy things to do, you just can't depend upon EVERYONE doing it correctly and consistently. With the virus threat so pervasive these days, I'd advise going with a system that is as automated as possible. I'm just starting to work with the NAV Enterprise solution and I'm pretty happy with it so far.

Also - another vote for Veritas WinInstall for a generic "push" type of software that handles all kinds of installs and updates - not just antivirus.

Hope this helps!

It all depends on what you're pushing. If
you're just pushing anti-virus updates,
Symantec has Symantec System Center
that allows for configuration and pushes
for new virus definitions. McAfee has a
similar tool that is for McAfee products
only. It is a great tool.

If you're going for pushing things other
than just anti-virus, there are a couple of
tools.

Norton System Center is great for
pushing just about any package out. You
could also use SMS, if you are using that
on your network.

Currently, I am using Norton System
Center to push out ALL of my system
updates.

Mike

Microsoft SMS (System Management Server) can push out apps/files, store images of disks, etc. There is even a feature to take remote control of a user's PC.

Strictly for anti-virus, there is Network Associates software that can push out the dat files to the clients on a scheduled or on demand basis.

The answer is not to use pst files. Leave the mail on the server. There are many reasons to do this: single instance storage of email - if an email is sent to 100 users, there is only one copy of the email kept on the server, shared by all recipients. This saves dramatically on disk space. Mail can be easily backed up if it resides on the server. If people use pst files, and want them backed up, they stick them on the server, which takes up gobs of disk space. Finally, when messages are left on the exchange server, users can then use all the features of exchange, like scheduling meetings, being delegates for other users, viewing other's calendars, etc.

You will also be able to "roam" from machine to machine.