2.13.3 Preparation for distribution (ITDM-compatible distribution)
The following describes preparation for installing software, distributing files, and uninstalling software. First, common preparation for using the distribution function is described. Next, preparation for individual tasks is described.
- Common preparation
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Consider the following before using the distribution function.
- Distribution destination computers
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Determine the distribution-target computers. When you have many target computers, we recommend that you create a custom group for those computers.
- Distribution schedule
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Determine the distribution schedule. Setting schedules will enable you to perform distribution at night so that the distribution task will not affect business or to perform multiple tasks at the same time. You can also start distribution immediately without setting any schedules.
- Automatic startup
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You can configure the setting so that if the target computers are turned off, they will be turned on and distribution will be performed. Consider the use of this function when you want to perform distribution at night or to unused computers. Note that, to control computer power, the computers must support AMT or Wake on LAN.
- Execution timing
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You can set the timing of installing or uninstalling software or storing files after the task is received at a target computer. You can choose one from the following: execute immediately after the task is received, execute when a user logs on, or execute the next time the computer starts. For example, if a running business application may interfere with installation, it is better for you to perform the installation the next time the computer starts.
- Messages to be displayed
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You can display messages immediately before or after installation or uninstallation of software or distribution of files after a package is distributed. Use messages to notify users of installation or uninstallation, or of notes on the installed software.
- Reducing load by distribution
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You can reduce network load by restricting the network bandwidth used for distribution. You can also set an upper limit on the amount of data transferred per second when packages are distributed to computers to prevent agent software from occupying too much communication bandwidth with package transfer. For details, see 2.13.7 Reducing load by distribution (ITDM-compatible distribution).
- Preparation for installing software
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Prepare the software you want to install. You can install software whose installer is an MSI file or EXE file. If multiple files are required for installing software, compress them in a ZIP file. If a ZIP file includes multiple installers, you must check which installer will be used.
- Tip
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Only the software programs that support silent installation can be installed. Silent installation automatically performs installation on users' computers without displaying windows during installation.
- Tip
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If software does not have an installer, distribute the software as a file.
- Preparation for distributing files
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Prepare the file you want to distribute. If you want to distribute multiple files, compress them in a ZIP file. Also, determine the folder to be used for storing the file on the distribution target computers.
- Tip
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If a ZIP file is registered in a package, the ZIP file will be automatically unzipped when the package is distributed to the target computer. If you want to distribute a ZIP file itself, further compress the ZIP file in another ZIP file and then register it in the package.
- Tip
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When you determine the folder for storing files, use a folder that is common to the distribution target computers. If the specified folder does not exist on a target computer, the specified folder will be created.
When you distribute a file, you can configure the setting so that a command will be automatically executed on the distribution target computer after the distribution file is received. For example, if you set a command for executing a batch file, you can distribute the batch file and then run that batch file. If you want to use a command, check whether the command can be correctly executed beforehand.
- Preparation for uninstalling software
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Check whether information about the software program you want to uninstall is displayed in the Software Inventory view of the Inventory module. If it is not displayed, check the execution file name of the software program you want to uninstall.
- Tip
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If you uninstall a software program that is not displayed in Windows' Programs and Features, the execution file searched for by the software search conditions (or the file name specified when the task was created) will be deleted.
- Tip
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The software programs that are displayed in Windows' Programs and Features and that were installed by the Windows installer (MSI) can be automatically uninstalled without the uninstallation window being displayed on users' computers (silent uninstallation). For other software programs, the uninstallation window is displayed on the users' computer and the users must uninstall them.
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