Software Distribution Policy

This can be used to deploy applications to users or computers. This makes installing necessary software on clients very simple.

Softwares can be deployed either to users or to computers in two ways:-

1. Published: This applies to only users. When we publish an application it is available to user but it is not automatically installed. Published applications can be installed from the Add\remove programs applet or by file invocation.
2. Assigned: This can be applied to either users or computers. Application assignment makes the installation mandatory for all users. When we assign an application to users a shortcut will be displayed on the start menu.. Assigning makes the application available to the user no matter which computer he log onto.

Requirements:

1. A Domain Controller is required.
2. The Client computers OS must be compatible with Group Policy.
3. The software to deploy must have a MSI installer file.

Publishing Applications from Group Policy:-

1. First of all copy the application to a network shared folder. Make sure that users have at least read access to the application.
2. Next open Active Directory Users and Computers. Open the domain properties and select the Group Policy tab.
3. Create a new policy by clicking on New and give a name o the policy. Then select the policy and click edit to open the policy.
4. Under user configuration open the software settings folder. Right click on Software installation and select properties.
5. In the General tab click on browse and select the location of the software.
6. Then Right Click on Software Installation and select New. Then select the MSI file of the Application. Then in the Deployment Method Box Select Published | Ok.
7. Now users can install the application by opening Control Panelà Add \ Remove Programs à Add New Programs. Then in the List we can view the software à Select the application and click ADD to begin the installation.

Assigning application from Group Policy:-

1. 1. Next open Active Directory Users and Computers. Open the domain properties and select the Group Policy tab.
2. Create a new policy by clicking on New and give a name o the policy. Then select the policy and click edit to open the policy.
3. Under user configuration open the software settings folder.
4. Right Click on Software Installation and select New. Then select the MSI file of the Application. Then in the Deployment Method Box Select Assigned | Ok.
5. Now the application shirt cut will be displayed on the Users Start menu.

Uninstalling Applications:-

1. Open Active Directory Users and Computers. Open the domain properties and select the Group Policy tab.
2. Select the Group policy from which the software was deployed and click Edit.
3. Open Software settings folder. Right Click on the application à All Tasks à Remove.
4. Then in the remove dialog two options will be shown
1. Immediately uninstall the software: This will uninstall the software when user logs on.
2. Allow users to continue to use the software, but prevent new installations: This will allow current users to keep using the software but will not allow any new installations.