Configuration Manager 2007 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.
 Important |
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| Although Configuration Manager enables you to easily install software on multiple computers, you must still agree to and follow the software license terms for any software installed using Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager. You can use software metering to help you track license usage. For more information about software metering, see Software Metering in Configuration Manager. |
Using packages, you can deliver, install, and configure software to meet the individual needs of your clients. This is done using programs, which identify the actions that must occur on the client once 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. For more information about programs, see About Programs.
Packages and programs are created and displayed using the Packages node in the Configuration Manager console. They are then stored in the database for the site you are administering.
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 containing 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 run successfully will be stored. For more information
about distribution points, see About Distribution
Points.
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. For more information about advertisements, see About Advertisements.
See Also
Tasks
How to Create a PackageConcepts
About ProgramsOther Resources
Software Distribution OverviewHow to Manage Packages
How to Manage Programs