remote deployment from linux to windows

[Ben Scott]

On 11/21/06, Christopher Chisholm <christopher.chisholm at syamsoftware.com> wrote:
> Of course that relies on a domain, but it sounds like
> we want to mostly focus on this tool for bigger organizations that will
> already have something like that set up.

  Bigger organizations will probably be using Active Directory and
Group Policy, and prefer an MSI install from that.  Smarter
organizations will also have the user accounts restricted so they
cannot install software.  (Akin to not running as "root" all the time
in the nix world.)

  But since you already have an MSI install, you're in great shape.

  A crash course in deploying software via GPO (Group Policy Object):

1. Open the "Active Directory Users and Computers" tool.
2. Find or create an OU (Organizational Unit) for the computers you
want the software installed to.
3. Right-click the OU and choose "Properties".
4. Click the "Group Policy" tab.
5. Edit an existing GPO, or click "New" to create one.
6. Navigate to Computer Configuration -> Software Settings -> Software
Installation.
7. From the "Action" menu, do New -> Package.
8. Find your MSI file on the network.
   NOTE: Use a path that all workstations will be able to access.
9. Follow the prompts.

  See also: http://www.appdeploy.com/

  Hope this helps!

-- Ben