installing software 1

[tim7]

I work at a primary school and have 18 pcs running win98 and a win2000 server. I was informed by installer that all i had to do was to install software to a specially set up software folder which would automatically share the software to all pcs on the network. It does not seem to be working that way at all and assistance from installer is minimal to say the least. Could anyone offer any help on installing software? I have read several books on the subject but they seem too technical for me at present. My knowledge on networks is very poor so try to make it as simple as possible.
thanks in advance
tim7

 

[brontosaurus]

Hey Tim, what is it exactly that you're trying to accomplish? Do you want the server to run an application that all the PC's can connect to, or are you just interested in a centralized location for file sharing?

 

[AlexIT]

Sounds like the installer was referring to IntelliMirror, a function of Win2K server (when used with Win2000Pro clients) that allows Office to be "assigned" to a machine or a user. When this is in place and working you can just plug in a new box and sign on, then the IntelliMirror will install the Office apps that person is supposed to have. Also will auto fix an install where someone has deleted (or locally uninstalled) a portion of the required applications.

I have not found a good source of information on setting this up myself, and I am looking for any info someone might have...

(Note, it is only supposed to work when server and clients are both Win2000.)

Alex

 

[GlenJohnson]

You might check and see if you can find some information on dsclient.exe. You're supposed to be able to install this on a pre 2000 machine, and it will join the domain, instead of just using the domains resources. Don't know if it will work, but you might look into it. Good luck. Glen A. Johnson
Microsoft Certified Professional
gjohn76351@msn.com

"You cannot create experience. You must undergo it."
Albert Camus (1913-1960); French writer and philosopher

 

[tim7]

Brontosaurus
Thanks for the reply. The setup of the server is such that i am able to install software on to the server and then run them from my client win98 pcs. Some software has already been installed on to the server for the children to use - simple word processors and colouring programmes and also Office2000. These are accessed from the clients by using My Computer and looking for the S: drive which has the software on it. I was hoping that the setup would allow us to install software and run it from the server rather than installing onto each machine. At present any advice on any method of installing software that can be run on my client pcs would be helpful
tim7

 

[brontosaurus]

Hey Tim, unfortunately, not all software is built that way. Many packages still require that certain files be located on the user machine, others may need to make changes to the local machines registry, instead of having a central location. There are always registry hacks that you can do to get a piece of software to work from a server, but I don't think you want that headache. The best thing to do, for future reference, is ask the vendor/retailer if the particular application you're interested in can be used in a client/server fashion. I'm sorry if that's not much help to you...