Ways, to install software to multiple computers at the same time?

[support4u]

I want to know the possibilities from the guru's around here.
Ways, to install software to multiple computers at the same time?
Simply explained, if possible, i don't wanna run by every pc by hand, or put an iso on network drive and still walk pcs by hand.
There must be software that can do the job for us, right?

For a school network.
Windows 7 desktops, Server 2008 al the regular network stuff.

I know that u can do some app deploying with windows server, but thats bound to .msi files, and obviously most of the msi files u need to create yourself, cause many apps do not have a .msi installer, but .exe!

So, Are there ways to deploy .exe, install software to multiple machines at the same time?
I don't care if i have to use linux or windows apps to get the trick done.

Anyone with experience on this topic?

 

[UsernameIssues]

psexec and a scripting tool like AutoIt3, AutoHotKey, KiXtart...

If the installer has a silent install option - you might not need a scripting tool.

 

[support4u]

thats a server 2008 option. i don't know how to script to be honest. never done it..
but it is an option, so thanks.

nothing simpler available?

 

[gladson1976]

You might want to try WPKG | Open Source Software Deployment and Distribution

WPKG is an automated software deployment, upgrade and removal program for Windows.
It can be used to push/pull software packages, such as Service Packs, hotfixes, or program installations from a central server (for example, Samba or Active Directory) to a number of workstations.
It can run as a service to install software in the background (silent install), without user interaction.
It can install MSI, InstallShield, PackagefortheWeb, Inno Setup, Nullsoft, other software installers or .exe packages, .bat and .cmd scripts and similar: no more repackaging to perform software installation.
WPKG is open source software.

 

[support4u]

this looks interesting, definitively gonna check this one out, thanks man!

 

[UsernameIssues]

thats a server 2008 option. i don't know how to script to be honest. never done it..
but it is an option, so thanks.

nothing simpler available?

I'm not sure what you mean by "thats a server 2008 option". Was that supposed to be a question?

Any computer running Windows 2000 or higher can use psexec/AutoIt3 combo to PUSH most any software to any other computer running Windows XP or higher. Of course, the computer doing the pushing needs admin rights on the remote computers. The AutoIt3 script can be compiled into an exe and that exe can include the file(s) to be installed.

WPKG is just a different type of scripting tool
Your still going to be learning some stuff like this:
UltraVNC - WPKG | Open Source Software Deployment and Distribution
As I understand it, WPKG is a tool to PULL software. This means that you install WPKG on each computer and then it checks a server for stuff to be installed.

WPKG will do what you want - it is what you asked for. Tools like AutoIt3 will do what WPKG does and more. For instance, I use a small script to read a few registry keys on a couple of dozen computers so that I know their AV tool is up to date. I also push values into the remote registries.

You can use AutoIt3 to pull software too. Pulling is faster, but it is a bit harder to setup.

 

[support4u]

sounds interesting, will also take a look into AutoIt.
Thanks!