Win2k apps server

[nightowl2003]

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone can please help me with the following?

I have windows 2000 server setup as a domain controller and 20 client pc's. My question is how can i setup the server so i can install applications and distribute them accross my network via shortcuts only.

Meaning the apps stay in a sentrelized place on the server then on the clients desktops thay have a shortcut to these apps. i know you can do this through terminal services but i dont want to do this through a desktop enviroment session. I want it so i can just install the apps on a shared drive on the server then have the clients to see these apps on there desktops as shortcuts only. so when thay double click the apps the application starts up and sends all the registry info etc from the server to the clients machine. An example would be something like novel zenworks where you set it up then the users get shortcuts with a little red shortcut arrow showing you its a server app.

Thanks a lot.

 

[mot98]

Hi nightowl2003,

Using Terminal Services, you can specify to start specific programs instead of launching a full desktop. This way the user would click on the TS shortcut, and it would launch a window from the server and only run that specified program. Once they close that program the connection then closes as well.

May not be what you are looking for, but thought I would mention it.

mot98

"Do, or do not. There is no 'try'."
- Yoda ('The Empire Strikes Back')

 

[mattjurado]

You'll need to create MSI software installer packages. There are many third party tools that do this, I haven't personally had to use them myself. Just try a google search for windows installer packages.

Maybe someone else does this on a regular basis can recommend one?

Matt

 

[nightowl2003]

Thanks for your help regarding terminal services.

So how would i actually set this up on the server, i have terminal services installed on the server in application mode, only 90 days tho at the min. How would i assign apps to users so thay get shortcuts on the clients desktops. Do i use add/remove programes on my server to install the apps??

Thanks a lot.

 

[mot98]

Yes, you will need to install the apps on the win2k TS server using the Add/Remove program.

Then use the client connection manager on the Client PC to setup a connection to the program. You can specify either auto login or make the user supply their credentials. Then when you get to the "Specify Program" screen, just type in the location of the program you want them to start.

Then you should be able to click on the shortcut, and see the app open in a new TS's window.

Hope this helps...

mot98

"Do, or do not. There is no 'try'."
- Yoda ('The Empire Strikes Back')

 

[mattjurado]

If you use Citrix, you can setup published applications, and put shortcuts to applications right on their desktops. When they launch them, they're actually using Terminal Services, but its transparent. The application will "feel" like a local app to them. You're talking about really devoting some cash to this though.

Matt