Ranger for Networks: Software Deployment

Ranger's software deployment is provided by the Ranger RollOut module within LAN Ranger. This module allows anything from large programs to small utilities or even registry changes to be 'packaged' and then deployed to other computers on the network.

Deploying a Package

Part 1: Building the package

Building a package involves creating a before and after snapshot of the machine state (includes files, folders and registry settings). The two snapshots are compared and the differences saved. The differences make up the 'package' which can then be deployed across the network.

Creating a package user guide

1. Start the package creation wizard, specify a name for the package and then start the machine scan. This process will create an image of the computer before any changes are made, which will be used to determine the contents of the package later.
2. Install the software or make the configuration changes and then reboot the machine to commit the changes.
3. Re-run the package creation wizard, this will complete the second half of the package build process. This scans the computer a second time creating a second image. The program then runs a comparison between the two images, calculating the changes made, saving all the files, folders and registry settings in the package ready for deployment.
4. Following the successful creation of the package, questions about the software prerequisites are then asked. The answers provided form part of the deployment installation checks. During deployment each question is tested, and the results evaluated to determine if the installation can continue. Depending on the predefined responses the tests the deployment can be continued, paused or cancelled.

Part 2: Deploying the package

Using LAN Ranger as an interface to the Ranger computers, Ranger RollOut builds on top scheduling features, package deployment errors and warning system and package status and history information.

Package Scheduling

Packages can be configured for immediate deployment or scheduled for automatic installation at a later time. The job can then be delayed if the computer is actively being used until the user logs out. In the event the computer is turned off, the package can then be automatically scheduled for install for the next time the computer is switched on.

Multiple packages can be scheduled 'queued' to a single or multiple computers.

Roaming profile support

Ranger packages can support users with roaming profiles by merging software registry keys into the users profile during logon.

Deploying a package user guide

1. In LAN Ranger select the Ranger Rollout tab, select the target computer(s) and/or rooms to install too. Select the package(s) to install and select either immediate or scheduled installation.
2. Packages will then be added to each computer's installation queue and installed when ready. Installation will occur silently as a background process.
3. LAN Ranger will display installation progress and show any warnings or alerts requiring intervention (e.g. incorrect operating system warning)