Creating unattended installs with Wise
What I'm trying to do is very simple. Take some basic applications such as Winzip, Adobe reader, Office2k and XP, Photoshop, IE updates, and other 3rd party software packages. I do NOT develop any software, my job is to get software to workstations.
Is Wise the easiest package for this? I have used LANdesk in the past to create custom office installs using transform files so I am familiar with some package deployment.
I want to put packages on a server, and if a user calls up and says they need XXX software, I simply point them to the software share, they double click it, and it performs an unattended install.
Is this easy to do? Would Installshield be better? I do realize I am performing very simple tasks, but just not sure on how to get started. If anyone can lend a hand I'd appreciate it. Thanks,
CB
Is Wise the easiest package for this? I have used LANdesk in the past to create custom office installs using transform files so I am familiar with some package deployment.
I want to put packages on a server, and if a user calls up and says they need XXX software, I simply point them to the software share, they double click it, and it performs an unattended install.
Is this easy to do? Would Installshield be better? I do realize I am performing very simple tasks, but just not sure on how to get started. If anyone can lend a hand I'd appreciate it. Thanks,
CB
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Posted by:
bkelly
20 years ago
If you are looking to repackage the setups, Package Studio, AdminStudio and a host of others will get the job done well. Keep in mind that in many cases the vendor does provide a silent installation process using command line switches and/or answer files. Look up your application list in the Package Knowledge base to get an idea.
Gennerally, the biggest problem in letting users double-click an automated installation themselves boils down to security restrictions. If your users do not have access to install the software, you will have to use the scheduler service, provide all software as Windows Installer setups (and set policies to allow them to execute with elevated privelages) or use some other third party method of elevating privlages (as most distribution systems provide through the installation of a client service).
Some things to think about anyway- hope it helps.
Repackaging software: http://www.appdeploy.com/tools/browse.asp?r=1
Distribution software: http://www.appdeploy.com/tools/browse.asp?d=1
Package Knowledge base: http://www.appdeploy.com/packages
Gennerally, the biggest problem in letting users double-click an automated installation themselves boils down to security restrictions. If your users do not have access to install the software, you will have to use the scheduler service, provide all software as Windows Installer setups (and set policies to allow them to execute with elevated privelages) or use some other third party method of elevating privlages (as most distribution systems provide through the installation of a client service).
Some things to think about anyway- hope it helps.
Repackaging software: http://www.appdeploy.com/tools/browse.asp?r=1
Distribution software: http://www.appdeploy.com/tools/browse.asp?d=1
Package Knowledge base: http://www.appdeploy.com/packages
Posted by:
MSIMaker
20 years ago
I agree with above but I also dont think you are giving us enough info to guide you down the right path.
How many users?
Are your users Local Admins?
What version OS are they running?
What software versions of the above software do you want to let them use?
If they are local admins and you just want to let them see a network share with the software located on it, then just create the network share, follow the deployment instructions from the vendor. The installation instructions for each will most likely be different to some degree. Then you just send the users a link to the share and install shorttcut and let them install it themselves.
This is the Windows95 way of software deployment but if you want quick and easy, then try it.
If your network is a bit more complex then post some more info and lets see.
How many users?
Are your users Local Admins?
What version OS are they running?
What software versions of the above software do you want to let them use?
If they are local admins and you just want to let them see a network share with the software located on it, then just create the network share, follow the deployment instructions from the vendor. The installation instructions for each will most likely be different to some degree. Then you just send the users a link to the share and install shorttcut and let them install it themselves.
This is the Windows95 way of software deployment but if you want quick and easy, then try it.
If your network is a bit more complex then post some more info and lets see.
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