Script to remotely deploy software

[Fraserb82]

Hi,

 

I was wondering if anyone has any good resources for learning scripting to deploy software on remote PCs?

 

I was sat in a classroom on Friday installing 8 bits of software on multiple laptops knowing there are better ways to do it, just not knowing where to start.

 

I would either want to do it by having the script read a file with computer names, or probably more simply, creating a script I can run on each computer to install the software.

 

I am also unsure of how I get around install prompts.

 

So if anyone knows of any good material I can read through to learn this sort of stuff?

 

Thanks

[jamesreedersmith]

Do you have an active directory domain?

[Fraserb82]

Sorry, probably should have included that. Yeah, its an AD domain.

[jamesreedersmith]

In which case you have most of the tools you need for a large number of titles (those that have an MSI) can be done thourgh Groupl Policy Application Deployment, those that dont have an MSI can genearlyl be scripted and then done as a startup script, use the search option on the forum, theres 1000's of threads about this. Also have a google about it.

[Fraserb82]

Unfortunately I don't have permissions to change group policy. Work like that is carried out by another team within my council. I'd be looking for a way to create a script that points to software on the server for that particular school and have it install from there. Thanks for the suggestion though, James.

[angrycomputingteacher]

I use PDQ Deploy. It works in such a way that you don't need to write scripts. They have a library of packages (if paid for). So far I have deployed well..... Nothing really but it looks good. I think it has a AD function so you could link it up. I don't have a domain so I can't see what it's like.

[SDebski]

I have also used and can recommend PDQ Deploy. Check out some of the video "how to" items on their site. The company is Admin Arsenal and the price and service are excellent. They do an educational discount too, although geared around the USA system. Proof of non-profit status should be sufficient.

[NicholasEsping]

you cound make a batch file like this:

IF Exist "C:\Program Files (x86)\Folder" goto END

"\\Server\application\setup" /s

Echo %ComputerName% %Date% %Time% >> "\\Server\application\installed.txt"

:END

 

this will check if a folder exists in program files and if it doesn't it will install the program silently and write to a text file the computer name date and time.

[free780]

Or psexec in a script with a for each ageist a list of pcs.

 

http://stackoverflow.com/questions/23119506/use-powershell-to-run-psexec-command

 

You do need to be an administrator on the pc your doing it from and the pcs in the list.

Edited November 23, 2016 by free780