Software Install over Network

[bazzert]

OK, I've been asked to install some software on approx 200 clients (mix of XP and 2000).

Obviously the best way to do this would seem to be a network install.

Presumably using an MSI files is the best way to do this.

I've never done this before, are there any third party apps to make the process easier or should I just make use of WinINSTALL LE thats on the WIN2K server disk?

Any tips or banana skins I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance

 

[Philly44]

I would defenitly look at the overall bandwidth you will be using. Pay special attention to what the connection speed for each machine are. Obviously if they are all contained in one building then there isn't really a huge issue. Although no matter what even a small viewer installing on 200 machines can bring a LAN to crawl and possibly crash the workstations.

 

[bazzert]

Its actually in a school and I aim to do this over the summer holidays.

The network is due to be upgraded soon so hopefully bandwidth shouldn't be too much of a problem but its definitely worth considering.

Am I correct in assuming that the clients will actually need to be logged in for the MSI to run even if I assign it?