Software deployment with Microsoft Systems Center Configuration Manager 2007 (II)
On our previous post Software deployment with Microsoft Systems Center Configuration Manager 2007 (I) we have shown how to create packages as a initial step for software distribution. Although a package contains the application, files, or information that need to be applied to the client computers, the program is responsible for defining how that application is to be used.
As a result, the program must include all appropriate references to script files or command switches. The program also defines the platform and environment in which the package can run, which means that you might have a program for each suitable platform when you have clients using different operating systems. Six programs are available after creating a package:
When a package is advertised to a collection a program should be specified and it defines how the package is applied to computers on this collection.
To modify a program within a package:
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In the Configuration Manager console, navigate to System Center****Configuration Manager / Site Database / Computer Management / Software Distribution / Packages / <package name> /Programs.
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Right-click the program you want to modify, and then click Properties.
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In the Program Property dialog box, update the settings as needed.
In our Per-System Unattended program we have modified few things:
- We ran it hidden
- General / Run / select Hidden.
- We changed space requirements:
- Requirements / Estimated disk space / Select unknown.
- We suppressed notifications:
- Advanced / select Suppress program notifications check box.
- We imported the Windows Installer product code:
- Windows Installer / Import… / locate the .msi file / Open.
Prior to advertise the package to a collection consider updating your distribution points (if exist). Configuration Manager 2007 uses distribution points to store the source files needed for packages to run on client computers. When an advertised program requires files that do not reside on the local computer, clients must have access to at least one distribution point from which they can download those files.
To send a package to a distribution point:
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In the Configuration Manager console, navigate to System Center****Configuration Manager / Site Database / Computer Management / Software Distribution / Packages.
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Expand the package that you want to send to a distribution point, right-click Distribution Points, and then click Manage Distribution Points.
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Use the Manage Distribution Points Wizard to select which distribution points to which you want to send the package.
Once you get your program options configured and the installation files on the needed distribution points, you are ready to advertise the package to a collection of computers.
More information is available through Microsoft’s TechNet on the link below: