-----Original Message-----
How can I install new software on users workstations from
a central location over a network. I want to install some
software on 18 workstations from a single workstation
over our network so I don't have to go and install on
each individual computer.
.
Setup a software folder on one of your shared network
drives, copy the contents of your software installation
CD to the folder (do not execute installation, open CD so
you can see the contents, select all, copy to software
folder). You can setup sub folders in the main software
folder, i.e. Microsoft, McAfee, etc.. If your
workstations have Windows XP Professional, you utilize
Remote Desktop function. If not, you can install the
software via the shared network software folder without
carrying the CD to each work station.
Remote Desktop overviewWith Remote Desktop on Windows XP
Professional, you can have access to a Windows session
that is running on your computer when you are at another
computer. This means, for example, that you can connect
to your work computer from home and have access to all of
your applications, files, and network resources as though
you were in front of your computer at work. You can leave
programs running at work and when you get home, you can
see your desktop at work displayed on your home computer,
with the same programs running.
When you connect to your computer at work, Remote Desktop
automatically locks that computer so no one else can
access your applications and files while you are gone.
When you come back to your computer at work, you can
unlock it by typing CTRL+ALT+DEL.
Remote Desktop also allows more than one user to have
active sessions on a single computer. This means that
multiple users can leave their applications running and
preserve the state of their Windows session even while
others are logged on.
With Fast User Switching, you can easily switch from one
user to another on the same computer. For example,
suppose you are working at home and have logged on to the
computer at your office to update an expense report.
While you are working, a family member needs to use your
home computer to check for an important email message.
You can disconnect Remote Desktop, allow the other user
to log on and check mail, and then reconnect to the
computer at your office, where you see the expense report
exactly as you left it. Fast User Switching works on
standalone computers and computers that are members of
workgroups.
Remote Desktop enables a variety of scenarios, including:
Working at home - Access work in progress on your office
computer from home, including full access to all local
and remote devices.
Collaborating - Bring your desktop to a colleague's
office to debug some code, update a Microsoft PowerPoint
slide presentation, or proofread a document.
Sharing a console - Allow multiple users to maintain
separate program and configuration sessions on a single
computer, such as at a teller station or a sales desk.
To use Remote Desktop, you need the following:
A computer running Windows XP Professional ("remote"
computer) with a connection to a Local Area Network or
the Internet.
A second computer ("home" computer) with access to the
Local Area Network via network connection, modem, or
Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection. This computer
must have Remote Desktop Connection, formerly called the
Terminal Services client, installed.
Appropriate user accounts and permissions.
This works great when setup correctly. I no longer have
to leave my computer/chair to do maintenance or install
software on each workstation. Hope that this helps.
