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  • #2131179

    deploying applications (newbie)

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    by taffwatts ·

    How do I deploy an application from a W2K Server to a client running W2K Pro or XP Pro? I assume there is a way of doing this other than Terminal Services? What I want to do is load some applications (Office 2K for example) at the server then send them out remotely to some/all of my client stations.
    Also, how do you link applications with groups, so if a user is a member of a particular group, they have access to a particular appplication?

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    • #3567387

      deploying applications (newbie)

      by beermonster ·

      In reply to deploying applications (newbie)

      Hi,
      This can be quite a complex subject, and the method you employ will depend a lot on your infrastructure. If you have good bandwidth, then you can assign applications to either users or computers. If you assign to a computer, then the computer will load the software (from your central point) at next reboot – you can script the reboot if required using shutdown.exe from the reskit if you want greater control over the process. If you assign to specific users (or for preference groups of users) then wherever they log on, they will receive shortcuts to the app (IE if the app is office, they will have all the usual office shortcuts off their start menu just as if it was installed). However, the app will not install until they actually try to use it (rather than put the app on every machine they happen to log onto even of they don’t require it at that machine). this is all achieved via group policies. the step by step implementation of this is far too complex to discuss in a single posting, but you’ll find a host of info about it at http://www.microsoft.com/technet (remove any blanks from that url before you use it).

      • #3567378

        deploying applications (newbie)

        by beermonster ·

        In reply to deploying applications (newbie)

        The older tried and tested method, is to ‘whip up’ a batch file, have that run on each machine, and have the batch file load the app using centrally located files, or files previously copied to each machine. Again, although this sounds simple there can be a fair bit of work involved. As for restricting apps, again there are several methods which will vary according to your current desktop design, but my favourite is folder redirection. Bearing in mind any desktop (I should think esp in a school) should be locked down tighter than a gnats chuff – then folder redirection would be the best option if I were you. This again is a GPO config option, and will allow you to redirect any users start menu etc to a custom one that you create, thereby ensuring that the only apps visible to them are ones you have added to their menu. Hope this helps

      • #3559140

        deploying applications (newbie)

        by taffwatts ·

        In reply to deploying applications (newbie)

        Many thanks – gives me something to look into.

    • #3559139

      deploying applications (newbie)

      by taffwatts ·

      In reply to deploying applications (newbie)

      This question was closed by the author

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