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You can choose to initiate the installation of a package from the designated Task Server rather from a Remote Desktop task. This allows you to install packages on to computers that may not be connected to the network (with a status of “Offline”) when you run the task. The Task Server monitors the network for the next time the offline client comes online again. Then the Task Server performs the installation. For more information about designating a Task Server, see “Using a Task Server for Report Data Collection” on page 112 and “Designating the Task Server and Setting the Report Data Collection Location” on page 154. For detailed instructions about installing via the Task Server, see “Installing Software on Offline Computers” on page 103.
You can install multiple packages in succession. When you execute installation of multiple packages, Remote Desktop copies over all the selected packages and then installs them. It also detects whether a restart is required and will give you a visual cue. You can tell the task to restart the computers upon completion, or restart the computers manually later.
It is not possible to stop the installation of a package. Once the installation starts, it will complete (assuming no errors occur on the client). However, you can click the Stop button to stop remaining packages from being copied over and therefore halt the install.
Alternatively, an administrator can use the PackageMaker application (available on the Apple Remote Desktop CD or with the Apple Developer Tools) to create a metapackage that contains several installers to be run in sequence. In addition to creating metapackages, you can also use PackageMaker to create packages for custom software that your organization may have developed. More information about making and using packages and metapackages is available on the Apple Developer Connection website:
developer.apple.com
To copy and install software using a .pkg file:
1Select a computer list in the Remote Desktop window.
2Select one or more computers in the selected computer list.
3Choose Manage > Install Packages.
4Select a .pkg or .mpkg file to install.
Alternatively, you can drag an installer package on to the package list window.
5Select whether to restart the target computers after installation.
6Select the option to run the task from “This application.”
This option is preferable when installing on computers that are all currently online.
If you want to install the software via a Task Server, see “Installing Software on Offline Computers” on page 103.
Chapter 8 Administering Client Computers
