Apple Update - Can I download updates outside of the App? 1

[BlueScr33n]

Instead of having each OSX client here connect to apple and bring down the same updates, is there a way to download only the updates that I would like to distribute to OSX clients? (kind've like windows update corp?).

I would be working from a Win2k box while downloading the updates, and then either pushing them to a directory on the OSX machines or allowing them to ftp for the updates.

 

[BlueScr33n]

Sorry - Just found it here:

http://www.info.apple.com/support/downloads.html

 

[jimoblak]

Yes, sort of...

You can download all of the goodies from apple.com (software section) but I am not familiar with push/distributing them from a single administrative location. I manually go to each computer and pull the needed updaters from the machine that I downloaded the updates to.

You might also try running a VNC server on each subordinate Mac so that you can configure the machines from one station. See sourceforge.net for the free OSX_VNC server. Usings VNC and file sharing is an easy way to administer a bundle of Macs. VNC server runs silently so your users will not notice anything (unless you overtake their mouse while they are working).

- - picklefish - -

 

[BlueScr33n]

Have the VNC server running on one, but haven't found a way of logging on and not taking over the users desktop - ideally I'd like to log in, do what I have to do and log out without the user even knowing I'm there - any ideas?

Also, found out that Toast takes over the DiskCopy file association, now I've gotta drag and drop the dmg files onto DiskCopy instead of just clicking =(.

 

[jimoblak]

VNC always overtakes the systems that offer the service. You cannot log in and not take over the users desktop. The idea behind VNC is simply to make your mouse & keyboard operate another computer. The user will know what is going on when you start moving their mouse for them.

You may also want to check out Apple's Remote Desktop. ARD is VNC on steroids. You may find the ability to push installations with ARD.

- - picklefish - -

 

[BlueScr33n]

I was hoping there was just a setting I was missing on VNC. Apple's remote desktop would be ideal if I had an Apple to install it onto, unfortunatly I'm running Windows 2000 (basically a Windows 2000 shop aside from a design group).

Aside from VNC (which I'm currently using with the design computers), are there any other programs that would allow me to log in and run updates or troubleshoot remotly?

 

[jimoblak]

If these are all OSX clients, and you like command line instructions, you could try telnet and ftp. - - but I am not sure how the GUI installers work with this method.

OR

If your OSX users have admin access and have enough of a clue to install their own software, you could simply share a folder on your WinPC called 'UPDATES'. The folder would contain all the .DMG files that you download from apple.com. On the OSX machines, place an alias to your shared 'UPDATES' folder in the dock. Just ask you users to periodically check the dock icon for new updates.

- - picklefish - -