Customizing the Distribute Software Operation

The Distribute Software operation enables you to install software packages and service upgrades on Client PCs on your network. Use the Software Distribution tab to specify the default settings for the Software Distribution Wizard when you run the operation.

To specify the software distribution settings:

1    In the Console, right-click the Distribute Software operation and choose Customize from the shortcut menu. The Customize Software Distribution dialog is displayed.

2    Select the Software Distribution tab.

3    Many packages support different types of installation such as for different operating systems or optional components. If you want to specify a default installation type for this operation, enter it in the Install type field.

4    To specify a default location for the installation kit, type its UNC path in the Kit path field, or click Browse to search for it. The path can also include access control in the format:

\ \ server\share%user@domain:pwd\directory.

5    In the Kit expiry field, enter the maximum number of days for which Vector AM should attempt to install the package. If the package is not installed when the limit is reached, the operation is automatically cancelled.

6    By default, Vector AM attempts to distribute the software to all the Clients at the first opportunity. To stagger the installations over a number of days, enter a target completion period in the Completion field.

7    To allow users to postpone the installation of packages, type the maximum number of postponements they can make in the Refusal limit field. If you want to prevent users from postponing the installation, enter 0.

8    To save error messages in an error log, enter the location and name of the log in the Error log field. To save progress messages in a progress log, enter the location and name of the log in the Progress log field.

9    To install software on Client PCs that have restricted access, such as PCs running Windows NT, 2000, XP or 2003, or which are members of specific domains, enter the details of a user account that can be used to access these PCs in the Windows NT account information fields.

10   Normally, Vector AM monitors and reports on the progress of software installations on the Clients to which a software package is distributed. To prevent the monitoring of installation feedback for this package, deselect Monitor distribution feedback by default.

11   To specify a default software package to be installed by the operation, select an entry in the Default package name list.

12   If you want to use this operation to distribute settings to Automatic Updates clients, select Execute brief wizard setup.

13   Click OK to save your changes and close the dialog.