System Center 2012 Configuration Manager uses packages to distribute software to clients. A package generally represents a software application to be installed on a client computer, but it might also contain individual files, updates, or even an individual command.

Using packages, you can deliver, install, and configure software to meet the individual needs of your clients. This is done by using programs, which identify the actions that must occur on the client when the package is received. Each program defines for Configuration Manager the client platform and environment within which the package can run, and includes any and all appropriate references to script files or command switches. Each package must contain at least one program.

Packages often contain files, in addition to the programs, particularly when you are installing a software application or update. If the package requires such files, you must also specify the following information:

• The source folder that contains all the files needed for the package. If the package supports more than one platform, all files for all platforms are included in the source folder.
  
  
• The distribution points for the package, on which the package files, programs, and scripts necessary for the package to execute successfully will be stored.
  
  

After you create a package with a source folder, Configuration Manager sends the package source files to the distribution points that you have specified.

After programs have been defined for a package and the package data has been sent to one or more distribution points, you can create advertisements that make those programs available to the clients in your specified collection.

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